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TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



TROUT FLY-FISHING 
IN AMERICA 

BY 

CHARLES ZIBEON SOUTHARD 



ILLUSTRATIONS AND COLORED PLATES 
BY H. H. LEONARD 




NEW YORK 

E. P. DUTTON & COMPANY 

1914 



.57 



Copyright, 1914 
By E. P. Dutton & Company 



JUN 30I9J4 ©CI.A374625 



TO 

JOHN LANSON PHILBRICK 

OF 

Rangeley, Maine 

For many years my guide, companion and friend, to whom 
I owe more than I can express of pleasure and information in 
the art of fly-fishing. 



PREFACE 

As a fly fisherman, with more than a quarter century's 
experience behind me — years in which I have caught 
trout on many lakes and streams — I have become con- 
vinced that there is a large number of young anglers who 
will find in the book I have written something to interest 
and help them. 

And if any of my older brothers of the rod may think 
I have dealt in some chapters at too great a length on what 
seem to them elementary matters connected, perhaps, 
with the necessary equipment, I ask them to cast back- 
ward to a day when they, too, were beginners at the game 
and unfamiliar with its very alphabet. They will remem- 
ber surely that a few words of friendly counsel by an ex- 
perienced fly fisherman may save the tyro many disap- 
pointments and give him a knowledge which otherwise 
could only come with the experience of many months. 

I am very glad to notice that each successive season 
brings more aspirants for angling honors to those beauti- 
ful lakes and streams — homes of game fish — which our 
country has to offer in abundance. 

And if my little work helps any of these young fly 
fishermen — anglers destined to fill our shoes when we 
older men have laid our rod aside forever — and aid them 

vii 



PREFACE 

in understanding what a glorious sport it is and how with 
a moderate-priced outfit, some observation and normal 
intelligence they may attain a reasonable degree of skill 
in it, I shall not mind if those who disagree with my 
views chuckle at the fact that their enemy has written a 
book. 

And I am not without hope that some of the older 
and more skilled among fishermen will also find chapters 
that will interest them. They have been written by a 
practical man who started fly-fishing with an open mind, 
no axes to grind and no pet theories to hamper him. What 
knowledge I have gained of trout, their habits, haunts, 
and the best way of catching them, has been based on a 
careful study of their ways, which has grown keener 
every year. 

I have not written with the intention of provoking 
controversy, because I am assured that brother anglers 
should, for the best interests of their pursuit, dwell to- 
gether in unity whether they be tireless advocates of the 
dry-fly, or contented disciples of the wet-fly. But I have 
been constrained, however, to point out instances of what 
has seemed to me lamentable lack of fairness found in 
the writings of certain dry-fly enthusiasts. Fortunately 
I am too strong a believer in the fair-mindedness of ang- 
lers as a body to suppose that dry-fly men considered as 
a whole feel as bitterly toward that great majority who 
employ the wet-fly method in their sport as those dry- 
fly writers would lead the casual reader to infer. 

That a minority of less than five per cent, should en- 

viii 



PREFACE 

deavor to impose their views on the ninety-five per cent., 
who hold other opinions speaks better for their zeal than 
for their sense of proportion. 

But I think — and many good sportsmen all over the 
country uphold me — that it is high time the dry-fly zealots 
calmed down and remembered that we of the wet-fly are 
no less careful than they that the etiquette of fly-fishing 
should be observed in the strictest possible manner and 
every unsportsmanlike manner of killing game fish rep- 
robated. 

No modern writer on fly-fishing for trout could fail 
to be indebted to such authors as Doctor David Starr 
Jordan, Professor Barton Warren Evermann, James A. 
Henshall, M.D., Henry P. Wells, William C. Harris or 
Frederick M. Halford, and I take pleasure in acknowl- 
edging it here. Among other authorities I have quoted 
I might mention Mary Orvis Marbury, Samuel G. 
Camp, George A. B. Dewar and Emlyn M. Gill. 

Groton, Massachusetts. 



IX 



To the Publishers and Authors who have kindly 
granted me permission to quote from works produced 
by them I wish to express here my appreciation and 
thanks. The Publishers, Authors and Works are as 
follows : 



Doubleday, Page & Company, 
"American Food and Game 
Fish," by David Starr Jor- 
dan and Barton Warren Ev- 
ermann. 

Field & Stream Publishing Co., 
Taken from Articles in issues 
of "Field and Stream," "The 
Dry-Fly in America," by 
George M. L. La Branche; 
"Caught with the Dry-Fly," 
by Walter McGuckin; "Dry- 
Fly Fishing with A. W. Di- 
mock," by Emlyn M. Gill. 

E. P. Dutton & Company, 
"The Dry-Fly Man's Hand- 
book," by Frederick M. Hal- 
ford. 

Houghton, Mifflin Company, 

"Favorite Flies," by Mary 

Orvis Marbury. 



The Century Company, 
"Sport with Gun and Rod," ar- 
ticle by Edward Seymour. 



Outing Publishing Company, 
"Favorite Fish and Fishing," by 
James A. Henshall, M.D.; 
"The Fine Art of Fishing," 
by Samuel G. Camp. 

Henry Holt & Company, 
"Fishes," by David Starr Jor- 
dan. 

Harper & Brothers, 

'Fly-Rods and Fly-Tackle," by 

Henry P. Wells. 



Charles Scribner's Sons, 

"Practical Dry-Fly Fishing," 

by Emlyn M. Gill. 



The Macmillan Company, 
"Salmon and Trout," from part 
entitled "The Trouts of 
America," by William C. 
Harris. 

Adam & Charles Black, 

"The Book of the Dry-Fly," by 

George A. B. Dewar. 



All of the books and publications mentioned above 
deserve a place in every fly-fishing angler's library. 



CONTENTS 



Preface 



CHAPTER 
I. 
II. 
III. 

IV. 

V. 

VI. 

VII. 

VIII. 

IX. 

X. 

XI. 

XII. 

XIII. 

XIV. 

XV. 

XVI. 

XVII. 

XVIII. 

XIX. 

XX. 



Trout Found in American Waters 

The Art of Fly- Fishing .... 

A Comparison of the Merits of the Wet and 
fly Methods of Fly-Fishing 

The Fly-Rod and Its Function . 

For the Beginner at Fly-Fishing . 

The Rod, The Reel, The Line, The Leader 
The Fly ...... 

The Habits of Trout .... 

The Coloration of Trout 

The Sight and Hearing of Trout . 

A Few Words About Casting the Fly . 

How to Fish the Wet-Fly . 

How and When to Strike Trout . 

When to Fish Dark and Light-Colored Flies 

The "Expert" Fly Fisherman . 

How to Make Your Own Leaders . 

Trout Fly- Fishing in the Rangeley Region 

Wet-Flies Used in Various States . 

Dry-Flies Used in England and America 

List of Wet- Flies 

Miscellaneous Matters .... 

Glossary 

Index 



Dry- 



and 



PAGE 

vii 

I 

40 

60 

75 
88 

99 
123 

i57 
169 

i79 
183 
190 

199 
206 

217 
225 
246 
251 
256 

275 
279 



XI 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 



OPPOSITE PAGE 
. 15. 



i. Outline of a trout showing different parts . 

2. Three different water bottoms . . 

3. Showing how a rod should be held in the act of casting 

4. Showing how a rod should be held in the act of casting 

5. Diagrams showing position of a rod when making the 

"forward" and "backward" cast 

6. Showing how to disjoint a rod 

7. Showing how to disjoint a rod with four hands 

8. Plate A. Leader Knots .... 

9. Plate B. Leader Knots .... 

10. Plate C. Leader Knots .... 

11. Plate D. Jam Knot and Tiller Hitch Knot 

12. Plate E. Jam Knot and Turle Knot 



155 
9i 
95 

171 
225, 
241 
211 

213 

217, 

269 

273 



Xlll 



/ 



LIST OF COLORED PLATES 

Opposite 
to page 

i The Brook Trout (Adult Male) — Salvelinus-fontinalis — (show- 
ing bright or early Fall coloration) I 

2 The Brook Trout (Adult Female) — Salvelinus-fontinalis 13 

3 The Rangeley Trout (Adult Male) — Salvelinus-oquassa 17 

4 The Sunapee Trout (Adult Male) — Salvelinus-aureolus 33 

5 The Dolly Varden Trout (Adult Male) Salvelinus-parkei 49^ 

6 The Steelhead Trout (Adult Male) — Salmo-rivularis 65 

7 The Rainbow Trout (Adult Male) — Salmo-irideus 81 

8 The Red Throat Trout (Adult Male) — Salmo-clarkii 97^ 

9 The Tahoe Trout (Adult Male) — Salmo-henshawi 113 

10 The Golden Trout (Adult Male) — Salmo-gilberti 129 . 

1 1 The Brown Trout (Adult Male) — Salmo-fario 161 . 

12 The Great Lake Trout (Adult Male) — Christivomer-namaycush 177 

13 The Golden Trout of Soda Creek, California (Adult Male) — 

Salmo-gilberti-whitei 193 

14 The Golden Trout of Volcano Creek, California (Adult Male) — 

Salmo-gilberti-roosevelti 209 

15 The Brook Trout (Adult Male) — Salvelinus-fontinalis (showing 

dark or early Spring coloration) 133 

16 The Brook Trout (Adult Male) — Salvelinus-fontinalis — (show- 

ing subdued or early Summer coloration) 139 

17 The Brook Trout (Adult Male) — Salvelinus-fontinalis — (show- 

ing bright or early Fall coloration) 145 

18 The Brook Trout (Adult Male) — Salvelinus-fontinalis — (show- 

ing brilliant or breeding season coloration) 153 

19 Popular Wet Flies 257 

20 Favorite Dry Flies 251 



xv 




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TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

CHAPTER I 
TROUT FOUND IN AMERICAN WATERS 

The greatest fly-fishing trout waters in the world are 
undoubtedly found in North America, and while in cer- 
tain sections the trout streams have become sadly de- 
pleted, owing to changed conditions created by what some 
writers are pleased to term advancing civilization, there 
still remain many well-stocked fishable waters which will 
afford pleasure for years to come for all followers of the 
gentle art of angling. 

The streams of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York 
and the New England States, with the exception of Maine, 
have suffered most so far as the native Brook Trout is con- 
cerned. And it is greatly to be regretted that the changed 
conditions are such in most of the depleted trout streams 
that restocking of them, except with the Brown Trout, 
amounts to little and in the large majority of streams to 
nothing at all. 

The depletion and, in many cases, the complete ex- 
termination of the Brook Trout are really due to a number 
of causes, such as the cutting away of the trees, bushes 
and foliage along the banks of both large and small 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

streams; this, in turn, has reduced the flow of water, mak- 
ing it shallow and of a much higher temperature than for- 
merly ; in many cases these streams which years ago were 
plentifully supplied with clear, pure water are to-day pol- 
luted to such an extent that the Brook Trout can no longer 
live and propagate in them. 

Conservation of our natural resources and the protec- 
tion of our streams from pollution came too late in many 
instances to prove of any real value to the Brook Trout 
and the disciples of Ike Walton. 

While our governments, both National and State, can- 
not restore the natural conditions that existed forty years 
ago on and in the streams where the Brook Trout and other 
species were plentiful, they can make wise laws which will 
protect for the future generations, if rigidly enforced, the 
waters that have not as yet been depleted of these game fish 
and polluted by factories along their banks ; and it is sin- 
cerely hoped that such work as has already been begun 
will progress with dispatch and wisdom and be continued 
with energy and thoroughness. 

This alone, however, will not suffice without the aid 
of the anglers themselves, who must realize that in order 
to have their sport continue not one trout should be killed 
unless to be eaten, or for some scientific purpose. Per- 
sonally, I should like to see the various States having trout 
waters within their boundaries enact identically the same 
laws as to the number of trout one angler could legally 
kill in one day during the open season. 

The number of trout caught on the artificial fly which 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

an angler could kill in any one day should not exceed ten, 
and it would be much wiser if the limit were placed at a 
lower figure. The law, however, should permit the fly- 
fishing angler to catch, and not kill, as many as his ability 
or skill permits. 

It would also be a good thing if all fishable trout waters, 
except small brooks, were restricted solely to fly-fishing 
with the artificial fly. 

There are two groups of game fish found in North 
America which have been indiscriminately called 
TROUT; they both belong to the SALMONIDAE (The 
Salmon Family) : one is the genus Sahelinus (The 
Charr), the other the genus Salmo (The Trout). 

That these two groups have been called TROUT is 
largely, if not entirely, due to anglers who, in years gone 
by, have known little or nothing about the different species 
and sub-species, as their time was given up almost entirely 
to catching, not studying, the fish. 

Undoubtedly, the name TROUT will always be given 
alike to the Charr and the real Trout by anglers in this 
country, and it matters little whether this is so or not ; but 
for those who have any desire to know the facts about these 
game fish the following may prove of some interest. 

There are distributed over the different sections of 
North America some thirty-six or more native game fish 
which are called trout, most of which will rise more or 
less readily to the artificial fly. 

In addition to these there has been imported from 
Europe two other trout, one is a species and the other a 

3 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

sub-species, and they are now found in many lakes and 
streams of the eastern and western sections of the United 
States. 

Writers on the subject of trout, in many instances, do 
not agree as to whether or not certain forms are species or 
simply sub-species and it is not strange that such is the 
case when so many different features have to be taken into 
consideration in order to arrive at a proper and reason- 
ably correct conclusion; such as anatomy, coloration, 
geographic location, environment, isolation, intergrad- 
ing, etc. 

On this account two classifications are given, one by 
noted Ichthyologists and the other by the Author, but 
either will probably give to most angling sportsmen such 
information as they desire. 

Of the many forms I have classed ten as species ; four 
of them belong to the genus Salvelinus (The Charr), and 
are red-spotted fish ; six of them belong to the genus Salmo 
(The Trout), and are black-spotted fish. 

The Brown Trout is the "brook-trout" of Europe, and 
is not a native of America; it was brought here from Ger- 
many and England. It has been extensively used for a 
number of years past in restocking streams and lakes in 
the eastern part of the United States where the native 
Brook Trout, owing to changed conditions, has become 
greatly depleted and, in some cases, nearly exterminated. 

The Brown Trout and the Brook Trout have been 
transplanted from eastern waters to western waters, and 
the Rainbow Trout and the Steelhead Trout have been 

4 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

transplanted from the waters of the west to the waters of 
the east. 

The Brown Trout and the Brook Trout have thrived 
and propagated in the western waters, while the Rainbow 
Trout and the Steelhead Trout have not done so in the 
eastern waters, except in a very limited degree. 

The species belonging to the genus Salvelinus do not 
break water when hooked, while the species belonging to 
the genus Salmo almost always do so. 

Although the Charr is a red-spotted fish and the Trout 
a black-spotted one (and the spots form a distinguishing 
characteristic), nevertheless the Brown Trout has some 
few small red spot markings, but they are not at all like 
the red spots found on the Charr. 

The Charr has teeth on the upper and lower jawbones 
as well as on the tongue, while the Trout has teeth only on 
the rim of the tongue, except the Red Throat, or Cutthroat 
Trout has in addition "a narrow band of small teeth on the 
hyoid bone at the base of the tongue," and these differences 
also are distinguishing characteristics. 

The Ichthyologists' Classification of Trout Native to 
the Waters of North America. 

THE CHARR-TROUT SALVELINUS 

Species: The Brook Trout, Salvelinus-fontinalis. 
Sub-species: Dublin Pond Trout, Salvelinus-fontinalis-agassizii. 
Species: The Rangeley Trout, Salvelinus-oquassa. 

5 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

Sub-species: Lac de Marbre Trout, Salvelinus-oquassa-marstoni. 
The Naresi Trout, Salvelinus-oquassa-naresi. 

Species: (Not recognized), Salvelinus-alpinus. 

Sub-species: Long-finned Trout, Salvelinus-alpinus-alipes. 
Greenland Trout, Salvelinus-alpinus-stagnalis. 
The Arctic Trout, Salvelinus-alpinus-arcturus. 
The Sunapee Trout, Salvelinus-alpinus-aureolus. 

Species : Dolly Varden Trout, Salvelinus-parkei. 

Sub-species: (None recognized.) 



THE CHARR-TROUT CHRISTIVOMER 

Species : The Great Lake Trout, Christivomer-namaycush. 

Sub-species: The Lake Trout of Lake Superior, Christivomer- 
namaycush-siscowet. 



THE TROUT, SALMO 

Species : The Steelhead Trout, Salmo-j . , . 
r [nvulans. 

Sub-species : The Kamloops Trout, Salmo-gairdneri-kamloops. 

Long-headed Trout of Lake Crescent, Salmo-gaird- 
neri-bathoecetor. 

Blue-back Trout of Lake Crescent, Salmo-gairdneri- 
beardsleei. 

Speckled Trout of Lake Crescent, Salmo-gairdneri- 
crescentis. 

Species: The Rainbow Trout, Salmo-irideus. 

Sub-species: The Rainbow Trout of West Oregon, Salmo-irideus- 
masoni. 

6 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

The Rainbow Trout of McCloud River, Salmo- 
irideus-shasta. 

Kern River Trout, Salmo-irideus-gilberti. 

The Nissuee, No-shee or Stone's Trout, Salmo-iri- 
deus-stonei. 

The Golden Trout of Mount Whitney, Salmo-iri- 
deus-aquabonita. 

The Golden Trout of Soda Creek, Salmo-irideus- 
whitei. 

The Golden Trout of Volcano Creek, Salmo-irideus- 
roosevelti. 

Lower California Rainbow Trout, Salmo-irideus- 
nelsoni. 

Rio Santa Ana Rainbow Trout, Salmo-irideus-ever- 
manni. 



Salmo-mykiss. 

Salmo-purpuratus. 

Salmo-clarkii. 



Species : The Red Throat Trout, 
The Cutthroat Trout, 
Rocky Mountain Trout, 
Black Spotted Trout, 

Sub-species: The Yellowstone Trout, Salmo-clarkii-lewisi. 
Columbia River Trout, Salmo-clarkii-gibbsii. 
The Utah Lake Trout, Salmo-clarkii-virginalis. 
The Rio Grande Trout, Salmo-clarkii-spilurus. 
Colorado River Trout, Salmo-clarkii-pleuriticus. 
The Waha Lake Trout, Salmo-clarkii-bouvieri. 
The Green-back Trout, Salmo-clarkii-stomias. 
The Yellow-fin Trout, Salmo-clarkii-macdonaldi. 
The Salmon Trout of Lake Sutherland, Salmo- 

clarkii-declivifrons. 
The Spotted Trout of Lake Sutherland, Salmo- 

clarkii-jordani. 
Lake Tahoe Trout, Salmo-clarkii-henshawi. 
The Silver Trout of Lake Tahoe, Salmo-clarkii-ta- 

hoensis. 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

IMPORTED SALMO TROUT 

Species: The Brown Trout, Salmo-fario. 
Sub-species: Loch Leven Trout, Salmo-fario-levenensis. 
8 Species, 34 Sub-species. Total, 42. 

The Author's Classification of the Species of Trout 
Found in North America, Giving the Common and Scien- 
tific Names. 



SALMONIDAE (The Salmon Family) 

Genus Salvelinus 
(The Charr) 



Species 

The Brook Trout, 

(1) The Square Tail, 
The Speckled Beauty, 

The Rangeley Trout, 

(2) The Blue-back Trout, 
The Oquassa Trout, 

The Sunapee Trout, 

(3) American Saibling, 
The Golden Trout, 

Dolly Varden Trout, 

(4) The Malma Trout, 
The Bull Trout, 



-fontinalis. 



oquassa. 



(alpinus) aureolus. 



malma parkei. 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



Genus Salmo 
(The Trout) 

Species 
, s [The Steelhead Trout, 1 gairdneri. 
[The Salmon Trout, J rivularis. 

(6) {The Rainbow Trout, irideus. 

(7) {The Golden Trout, gilberti. 



(8) 



The Red Throat Trout, 
The Cutthroat Trout, 
Rocky Mountain Trout, 
Black Spotted Trout, 



mykiss. 

purpuratus. 

clarkii. 



(9) {The Tahoe Trout, henshawi. 
(10) -| The German Trout, }-fario. 



The Brown Trout, 
The German Trout, 
The Von Behr Trout, 



Genus Christivomer 
(A Charr) 

The Great Lake Trout, 
'(n) The Mackinaw Trout, 
The Lunge, The Togue, 



namaycush. 



Genus Salvelinus, The Charr 

Species: THE BROOK TROUT, Salvelinus-fontinalis 
(Mitchill). 

Sub-species: Dublin Pond Trout,] , . ,. . .. ._, 

_, UJontinalis-agassizu (Garman). 

Species: THE RANGE LEY TROUT, Salvelinus-oquassa 
(Girard). 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

Sub-species: Lac de Marbre Trout, oquassa-marstoni (Garman). 
The Naresi Trout, oquassa-naresi (Gunther). 

Species: THE SUNAPEE TROUT, Salvelinus-aureolus (al- 
pinus) (Bean). 

Sub-species: The Greenland Trout, alpinus-stagnalis (Fabricius). 

The Long-finned Trout, alpinus-alipes (Richard- 
son). 

The Floeberg Trout, or American Arctic Trout, al- 
pinus-arcturus (Gunther). 

Species: THE DOLLY VARDEN TROUT, 

RfllvpliniM J malma (Walbaum). 
oaiveiinus--! i ■ /o 11 \ 
[parkei (Suckley). 

Sub-species: (None recognized.) 



Genus Christivomer, a Charr 

Species: THE GREAT LAKE TROUT, Christivomer-namay- 
cush (Walbaum). 

Sub-species : The Lake Trout of Lake Superior, namaycush-sisco- 
wet (Agassiz). 



Salmo, the Trout 

Species: THE STEELHEAD TROUT, 

fgairdneri (Richardson), 
[rivularis (Ayres). 

Sub-species: The Kamloops Trout (Jordan). 

The Crescent Trout or ") . . . r(Tordan 

rivularis- VJ , 



The Speckled Trout 
of Lake Crescent, 



crescentis 



and 
Beardslee). 



10 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



The Beardslee Trout 

or The Blue-back rivularis 

Trout of Lake Cres- beardsleei 

cent, 
The Long-headed Trout of Lake Crescent, rivu- 

laris-bathaecetor (Meek). 



(Jordan 
and 
Seale). 



irideus-stonei (Jordan). 



Species: THE RAINBOW TROUT, Salmo-irideus (Gibbons). 

Sub-species: West Oregon Rainbow Trout, irideus-masoni (Suck- 

ley). 
McCloud River Rainbow Trout, irideus-shasta 

(Jordan). 
The No-shee Trout, 

The Nissuee Trout, 
or Stone's Trout, 

Lower California Rainbow Trout, irideus-nelsoni. 
Rio Santa Ana River Rainbow Trout, irideus-ever- 

manni (Grinnell). 

Species: THE GOLDEN TROUT, Salmo-gilberti (Jordan). 

Sub-species: The Golden Trout of South Fork, Kern River, or 
The Golden Trout of Mount Whitney, gilberti-aqua- 

bonita (Jordan). 
The Golden Trout of Soda Creek, gilberti-whitei 
(Jordan). 

The Golden Trout of Volcano Creek, gilberti-roose- 
velti (Evermann). 

Species: THE RED THROAT TROUT, 

mykiss (Walbaum). 



Salmo- 



purpuratus (Pallas), 
clarkii (Richardson). 



Sub-species: Colorado River Trout, clarkii-pleuriticus (Cope). 
The Rio Grande Trout, clarkii-spilurus (Cope). 



ii 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



The Utah Lake Trout or The Great Basin of Utah 

Trout, clarkii-virginalis (Girard). 
The Green-back Trout, clarkii-stomias (Cope). 
The Yellow-fin Trout, clarkii-macdonaldi (Jordan 

and Evermann). 
The Waha Lake Trout, clarkii-bouvieri (Bendire). 
The Spotted Trout of Lake Sutherland, clarkii- 

jordani (Meek). 
The Salmon Trout of Lake Sutherland, clarkii- 

declivifrons (Meek). 
The Yellowstone Trout, clarkii-lewisi (Girard). 
Columbia River Trout, The Silver Trout, clarkii- 

gibbsii (Suckley). 

Species: THE TAHOE TROUT, Salmo-henshawi (Gill and 
Jordan). 

Sub-species: The Silver Trout of Lake Tahoe, henshawi-tahoen- 
sis (Jordan and Evermann) . 

Imported Trout, not natives of the waters of North America. 

Species: THE BROWN TROUT, Salmo-fario. 

Sub-species: The Loch Leven Trout, English Brown Trout, fario- 
levenensis. 



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Recapitulation 

The Brook Trout 
The Rangeley Trout 
The Sunapee Trout 
The Dolly Varden Trout 
The Steelhead Trout 
The Rainbow Trout 
The Golden Trout 
The Red Throat Trout 
The Tahoe Trout 
The Brown Trout 
The Great Lake Trout 



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Sub-species: 
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TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

The Tahoe Trout, here called a species, undoubtedly 
belongs to the Cutthroat series, but on account of its 
marked characteristics has been separately classified. 

The Golden Trout belongs to the Rainbow series, but 
it also has been separately classified because of its marked 
and peculiar characteristics. 

The Sunapee Trout, because it best represents the 
species alpinus of all charr-trout found in this country, 
is classified as a separate species. 

A marked characteristic of the SALMONIDAE 
family is the presence of the Adipose Fin and some of the 
characteristics of the Charr and Trout are as follows : 

Body somewhat oblong or elongated. 

Body covered with small scales having a circular form vary- 
ing in size with the different species and sub-species. 

Those having the largest mouth usually having the largest and 
strongest teeth. 

The Dorsal Fin is of moderate length, placed about midway of 
the body on the back. 

The Caudal Fin or Tail is forked in most species, but in some 
it is truncated or square. 

The Anal Fin is moderately long. 

The Ventral Fins are almost median in position. 

The Pectoral Fins are inserted quite low on the sides near the 
gill cover. 

The Lateral Line is present and well defined. 

The Outline of the belly is rounded and the Vertebrae are in 
large number, generally about sixty. 

13 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN 


AMERICA 


Names of the different fins: 




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Dorsal Fin 


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B 


Adipose Fin 


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Caudal Fin 


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Ventral Fins 


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Snout 




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Cheek-bone 




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Nape of neck 




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Shoulder 




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Base of tail 




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Ventral line 




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Dorsal line 




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THE BROOK TROUT 

Genus: Salvelinus. Species: Fontinalis. 

The Brook Trout, or, as called by many, the Speckled 
Beauty, and by some the Square Tail, is a native of both 
large and small streams and lakes east of the Mississippi 
and the Saskatchewan rivers and north of the Chattahoo- 
chee river. It is found in all suitable waters of this section 
as far north as Labrador and Hudson Bay, but the ex- 
treme northern limit is not as yet fully determined. 

It varies greatly in size, ranging in length from four 
inches in small streams to thirty inches in lakes and large 

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TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

streams, and from half an ounce to twelve pounds in 
weight. 

"The largest specimens are recorded from the sea along the 
Canadian coast. These frequently reach a weight of ten pounds, 
and from their marine and migratory habits, they have been re- 
garded as forming a distinct variety (Salvelinus-fontinalis-im- 
maculatus), but this form is merely a sea-run brook trout." 



Although the trout found in southern streams do not 
grow as large as those found in the more northern ones, 
it can be truthfully said that large streams produce large 
trout and small streams produce small trout. 

The Brook Trout is a very game fish; everything con- 
sidered, it is more so than any other species; it does not 
break water when hooked, however, and on that account 
it is not considered by some anglers as game as the Steel- 
head, which breaks water repeatedly, as do most salmo 
trout. 

Although rising readily to the artificial fly under fa- 
vorable conditions, nevertheless it is an extremely wary 
fish, and usually considerable skill is required to cap- 
ture it. 

These trout grow rapidly in some waters, such as the 
lakes and streams of Maine and Canada, and in the waters 
of the Rangeley Region they have been known to attain 
a weight of three to four pounds in as many years, while 
in the usual small brooks and streams they seldom grow 
to a pound weight in a like number of years. 

On the other hand, trout in fair-sized streams grow 

15 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

to two and even three pounds, but rarely if ever before 
they are six or seven years old. 

They spawn in the fall from early September to late 
November, depending largely upon the locality and the 
temperature of the water. 

In Maine the spawning season begins early in Octo- 
ber. Brook Trout begin to produce at about the average 
age of two years, and one trout deposits from three to five 
hundred eggs. 

Of all the many species of trout, Salvelinus or Salmo, 
the Brook Trout, fontinalis, is by far "the most beautiful 
fish that swims." 

Sub-species of Salvelinus- fontinalis. 

The Gray Trout or The Dublin Pond Trout 
(Salvelinus- fontinalis-agassizii). 

This trout is a native of Dublin Pond, Cheshire 
County, New Hampshire, and it is also found in Lake 
Monadnock and Center Pond of the same state. 

It has a gray, slaty or leadeny color on account of 
which it was given the name of Gray Trout. This trout 
is without many red spot markings, and frequently they 
have no red spots at all. 

It is a small, but game, fish; the largest specimens 
reaching a length of 10 to 12 inches. 

They will at times rise to the fly and fight well when 
hooked, but at no time can the Gray Trout be called other 
than a doubtful riser. 



16 




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TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

THE RANGELEY TROUT 

Genus: Sahelinus. Species: Oquassa. 

The Rangeley Trout, so named because it is only 
found in the waters of the Rangeley Lakes, is a most beau- 
tiful small trout. By the natives it is called the "Blue- 
back" on account of the peculiar coloring on its back. 

Years ago the "Blue-back" existed in countless num- 
bers; they came to the streams in the fall to spawn, at 
which time they have been known to rise to the fly, but 
never at any other time or place. 

To-day this trout is seldom seen ; indeed, it is now sev- 
eral years since it has been possible to obtain a specimen. 
What it is that has caused a change in the habits of this 
fish, or has possibly exterminated it, no one seems to know, 
but the feeling among the older guides of this region, who 
remember this trout well, is that the species has not be- 
come extinct, and that they are liable to appear again at 
any spawning season. 

About 1883 The Century Company published a book 
entitled "Sport with Gun and Rod," in which there was 
a chapter on "Trout-fishing in the Rangeley Lakes" by 
Edward Seymour, and it is interesting to note what he 
has to say about the "blue-back" trout. 

Speaking of fish found in the Rangeley Lakes, other 
than the Salmon and Brook Trout, Mr. Seymour says: 

"There is still a fourth variety, called by the natives the 'blue- 
back' trout, the Salmo Oquassa (so named because it is peculiar 

17 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

to these waters), which is also generally supposed to furnish food 
to the monarchs of the lake. 

"They come in an immense army, actually filling the streams 
here and there with a dense, struggling mass, which the natives 
capture by the bushel and by the barrel in nets, buckets and pails; 
even scooping them out by hand and throwing them on the bank. 
They are salted down and preserved in the same way as mackerel 
are cured. 

"These blue-back trout have never been found more than nine 
inches in length, nor less than six inches. 

"In flavor, they are quite as rich and delicate when cooked as 
the brook-trout. 

"After spawning, they return to the lake just as suddenly as 
they appeared, and, notwithstanding the number in which they are 
captured during their brief stay in the stream, they do not diminish 
in multitude year after year. 

"It is inferred that their regular haunts must be in the deepest 
waters of the lake, since their capture by the enticements and ap- 
pliances which prove irresistible to the speckled trout is almost un- 
known." 

Sub-species of Salvelinus-oquassa 

The Lac de Marbre Trout 

(The Marston Trout) 

(Salvelinus-oquassa-marstoni) 

The Lac de Marbre Trout receives its name from the 
water in which it was first discovered ; the lake is located 
in Ottawa County, Province of Quebec, Canada, and it 
is near Ottawa. 

This trout is also found in the Lake St. John district, 
Lac a Cassette in Rimousky County, Lake Saccacomi and 
the Red lakes in Maskinonge County, Quebec. 

These beautiful trout are probably identical with what 
is commonly called the Canadian Red Trout that are 

18 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

found in many of the suitable waters to the north of the 
St. Lawrence river. 

The Lac de Marbre Trout will take the artificial fly 
readily, and are good fighters, but as is the case with all 
species of trout their game qualities vary greatly with 
their environment. 

The Naresi Trout 
(Salvelinus-oquassa-naresi) 

This trout is found in the lakes of Arctic America, 
and does not differ much from the Rangeley Trout. It 
is a handsome trout, and grows to about twelve to four- 
teen inches in length. Little or nothing is known about 
its habits. 

THE SUNAPEE TROUT 

Genus: Salvelinus. Species: Alpinus. 

The Sunapee Trout was originally found in Sunapee 
Lake, which is situated part in Sullivan and part in Merri- 
mack County, New Hampshire, and from the lake it re- 
ceived its name. This trout is also a native of Flood Pond, 
which is located near Ellsworth, Maine. Other than in 
these two places it is not found as a native, but it has of 
late been planted and introduced into several of the lakes 
in the immediate vicinity. 

It is a very handsome fish, being beautifully marked 
and colored. It grows to a large size, often to ten pounds, 

19 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

and some have been taken that weighed over fifteen 
pounds. 

The Sunapee Trout has never been known to rise to 
the natural or artificial fly as far as I have been able to find 
out from guides and anglers. 

It is only caught by bait fishing in deep cold water dur- 
ing the summer or by trolling with smelt along the shores 
and sand bars early in the season. 

The scientific name for the Sunapee Trout is aureolus 
(Bean), although it probably best represents in this coun- 
try the species Alpinus. 

Sub-species of Salvelinus-alpinus (aureolus) 

The Greenland Trout 
{Salvelinus-alpinus-stagnalis) 

This trout is found in the waters of Greenland, Boothia 
Felix and the surrounding regions of the far north. It is 
the food-fish of the natives and grows to a good size, rang- 
ing from one to two feet in length for adults. 

The Long-finned Trout 
(Salvelinus-alpinus-alipes) 

Like the Greenland Trout the Long-finned Trout is 
found in the lakes of Greenland and the waters of Boothia 
Felix in and about Prince Regent inlet. 

The Floeberg Trout 
(Salvelinus-alpinus-arcturus) 

This trout is a native of the extreme northern part of 
North America and is found in Victoria Lake, Floeberg 
Beach, from which specimens have been obtained. 

20 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

THE MALMA TROUT OR THE DOLLY 
VARDEN TROUT 

^ oil- o JMaltna 

Genus : balvelinus. bpecies:jr> l • 

The Malma or Dolly Varden Trout is a native of the 
waters west of the Rocky Mountains; it is found in 
streams of northern California, in Oregon, Washington, 
British Columbia and Alaska, and is also found in Lake 
Pend d'Oreille, Idaho. 

"It abounds in the sea in the northward, and specimens of ten 
to twelve pounds weight are not uncommon in Puget Sound and 
especially Alaska." 

"The Dolly Varden trout is, in general, slenderer and less com- 
pressed than the Eastern brook trout." 

It is a red-spotted trout, the spots being on both the 
back and sides ; the back and dorsal fin have no variegated 
markings or blotches, as is the case with the Brook Trout. 

In other respects, the Malma Trout more closely re- 
sembles the Brook Trout than any other species, as it has 
the same characteristics of size, form, color, beauty, habits 
and gaminess, and rises to the fly. 

There are no sub-species of The Malma Trout. 



21 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

THE STEELHEAD TROUT 

Genus: Salmo. Species: Rivularis. 

The Steelhead Trout is a native of the streams of Cali- 
fornia, Oregon and Washington; it "is found in the coast- 
wise streams of California and in the streams of Oregon 
and Washington, below the great Shoshone Falls of Snake 
River, and northward in Alaska along the mainland as 
far as Skaguay. The steelhead trout reach a large size 
(10 to 20 pounds). They spend a large part of their life 
in the sea. In all the true steelheads the head is relatively 
very short, its length being contained about five times in 
the distance from tip of snout to base of caudal fin. The 
scales in the steelhead are always small, about 150 in a 
linear series, and there is no red under the throat. The 
spots on the dorsal fin are fewer in the steelhead (4 to 6 
rows) than in the other American trout." 

Some anglers consider the Steelhead the most gamy of 
all trout, but this is probably due to the fact that it breaks 
water repeatedly when hooked. It rises eagerly to the 
artificial fly, strikes boldly, and is a good fighter. 

Sub-species of Salmo-rivularis 

The Kamloops Trout 
(Salmo-rivularis-kamloops) 

David Starr Jordan and Barton Warren Evermann, 
in their book, entitled "American Food and Game Fishes," 
published by Doubleday, Page & Company, say: 

22 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

"This is an interesting trout found in Kamloops, Okanogan, 
Kootenai and other lakes tributary to the Fraser and upper Colum- 
bia rivers. It is locally abundant, and is a fine large trout, slender 
in form, graceful in appearance and movement, somewhat differ- 
ent from the common steelhead, but not distinguished by any tech- 
nical character of importance, and probably intergrading fully 
with the latter. It is said to be a very fine game fish, which is taken 
chiefly by trolling with a spoon. 

"Color, dark olive above, bright silvery below, the silvery color 
extending some distance below the lateral line, where it ends 
abruptly; middle of side with a broad light- rose colored band, 
covering about one-third total depth of fish ; back above with small 
black spots about the size of pin heads, irregularly scattered, and 
somewhat more numerous posteriorly; a few faint spots on top of 
head; dorsal and caudal fins rather thickly covered with small 
black spots similar to those on back, but more distinct; a few 
spots on adipose fin which is edged with blackish; lower fins plain; 
upper border of pectoral dusky; a vague dusky blotch on upper 
middle rays of anal." 



The Crescent Trout or 

The Spotted Trout 

(Salmo-rivularis-crescentis) 

The Blueback Trout or 

The Beardslee Trout 

(Salmo-rivularis-beardsleei) 

These two trout were discovered by Admiral L. A. 
Beardslee, and they are of unusual beauty and attract- 
iveness. They will not rise to the artificial fly, for they 
are not surface feeders. 

The Beardslee Trout grows to a large size, ranging 
from six to twelve pounds, and it is not uncommon to 
catch specimens that weigh ten pounds. 

23 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

The Long Headed Trout 
( Salmo-rivularis-bathaecetor ) 

This trout can be caught only with bait on set lines, 
for it also lives in deep water and never comes to the 
surface to feed. 

All of these sub-species of steelhead are found only 
in Lake Crescent, Callam County, Washington, which is 
located in the extreme northwestern part of the State. 



THE RAINBOW TROUT 

Genus: Salmo. Species: Irideus. 

The Rainbow Trout is a native of the streams of Cali- 
fornia and Oregon where it is to be found in abundance 
in every suitable clear brook and stream. 

The scales are large, there being about 135 in a length- 
wise series. The head also is large, being about one- 
fourth the length of the body to the base of the tail or 
caudal fin. The mouth is smaller than in other species 
of trout, and the tail in young rainbows is well forked, 
but they become more truncated as they grow older. This 
species generally has no red under the throat, and the 
rim of the tongue only has teeth. The size of the head is 
undoubtedly the best distinctive character. 

The Rainbow Trout varies greatly in size, ranging 
from six inches in length, as found in Lower California, 
to six pounds in weight as found in Northern California. 

24 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

David Starr Jordan says of this trout : 

"The head, back, and upper fins are sprinkled with round 
black spots, which are variable in number, those on the dorsal usu- 
ally in about nine rows. 

"The color, as in all the other species, is bluish, the sides sil- 
very in the males, with a red lateral band, and reddish and dusky 
blotches. 

"In specimens taken in the sea this species, like most other 
trout in similar conditions, is bright silvery and sometimes im- 
maculate. 

"Although not usually an anadromous species, the rainbow 
trout frequently move about in the rivers, and it often enters the 
sea, large sea-run specimens being often taken for steelheads. 

"No true rainbow trout have been anywhere obtained to the 
eastward of the Cascade Range or of the Sierra Nevada, except 
as artificially planted in the Truckee River. 

"Several attempts have been made to introduce it in Eastern 
streams, but it appears to seek the sea when it is lost. 

"It is apparently more hardy and less greedy than the Ameri- 
can Charr, or brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). On the other 
hand, it is distinctly inferior to the latter in beauty and gaminess." 

Professor Evermann says: 

"The Rainbow takes the fly so readily that there is no reason 
for resorting to grasshoppers, salmon eggs or other bait. 

"It is a fish whose gaminess will satisfy the most exacting of 
expert anglers, and whose readiness to take any proper line will 
please the most impatient of inexperienced amateurs." 

Sub-species of Salmo-irideus 

West Oregon Rainbow Trout 
(Salmo-irideus-masoni) 

This is a small rainbow trout ; it is a native of the forest 
streams of the western part of Oregon, on account of 
which it gets its name. 

25 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

McCloud River Rainbow Trout 
(Salmo-irideus-shasta) 

This trout is a native of the McCloud River, which is 
located in Shasta County, California, in the central north- 
ern part of the State. 

The No-shee Trout 

The Nissuee Trout 

or Stone's Trout 

( Salmo-irideus-stoneri) 

"This is a large voracious trout of the rainbow series found in 
the upper Sacramento basin, especially in the McCloud River 
above Baird. It is much larger than typical irideus, and reaches 
a weight of 10 to 12 pounds, but is doubtfully distinct. 

"Color, upper parts plain greenish; spots few and confined 
chiefly to the posterior part of body; spots small and sparse on dor- 
sal, adipose and caudal fins; a red lateral band usually distinct; 
cheek and opercles with red ; no red on throat." 

Lower California Trout 
( Salmo-irideus-nelsoni) 

This is an extremely small trout, and has been called 
the "pigmy trout." It is found in the small streams which 
rise and flow from San Pedro Martyr Mountain, Cali- 
fornia. 

Rio Santa Ana River Trout 
( Salmo-irideus-evermanni) 

Here we have another small rainbow trout which is 
found in the streams of San Gorgonia mountains, Cali- 
fornia. 

26 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

THE RED THROAT TROUT OR THE 
CUTTHROAT TROUT 

Genus: Salmo. Species: Clarkii. 

The Red Throat or Cutthroat Trout, of which there 
are at least ten sub-species, is a native of the waters on 
both sides of the Rocky Mountains. 

In speaking of this species of trout I cannot do better 
than quote what David Starr Jordan has to say about it 
in his book entitled "Fishes": 

"This species has much smaller scales than the rainbow or 
steelhead, the usual number in a longitudinal series being 160 to 
170. Its head is longer (about four times in length to base of 
caudal). Its mouth is proportionately larger, and there is always 
a narrow band of small teeth on the hyoid bone at the base of the 
tongue. These teeth are always wanting in Salmo irideus and 
rivularis in which species the rim of the tongue only has teeth. 
The color in Salmo clarkii is, as in other species, exceedingly varia- 
ble. In life there is always a deep-red blotch on the throat, be- 
tween the branches of the lower jaw and the membrane connecting 
them. This is not found in other species, or is reduced to a nar- 
row strip or pinkish shade. It seems to be constant in all varieties 
of Salmo clarkii, at all ages, thus furnishing a good distinctive 
character. It is the sign manual of the Sioux Indians, and the 
anglers have already accepted from this mark the name of cut- 
throat trout. 

The cutthroat trout of some species is found in every suitable 
river and lake in the great basin of Utah, in the streams of Colo- 
rado, Wyoming, and Montana, on both sides of the Rocky Moun- 
tains. It is also found throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho, 
British Columbia, the coastwise islands of southeastern Alaska 
(Baranof, etc.), to Kadiak and Bristol Bay, probably no stream 

27 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

or lake suitable for trout life being without it. In California the 
species seems to be comparatively rare, and its range rarely ex- 
tending south of Cape Mendocino. Large sea-run individuals 
analogous to the steelheads are sometimes found in the mouth of 
the Sacramento. In Washington and Alaska this species regularly 
enters the sea. In Puget Sound it is a common fish. These sea- 
run individuals are more silvery and less spotted than those found 
in the mountain streams and lakes. The size of Salmo clarkii is 
subject to much variation. Ordinarily four to six pounds is a large 
size, but in certain favored waters, as Lake Tahoe and the fjords 
of southeastern Alaska, specimens from twenty to thirty pounds 
are occasionally taken. 

Those species or individuals dwelling in lakes of considerable 
size, where the water is of such temperature and depth as insures 
an ample food supply, will reach a large size, while those in re- 
stricted environment, where both the water and food are limited, 
will be small directly in proportion to these environing restrictions. 
The trout of the Klamath Lakes, for example, reach a weight of at 
least 17 pounds, while in Fish Lake in Idaho mature trout do not 
exceed 8 to 934 inches in total length or one-fourth pound in 
weight. In small creeks in the Sawtooth Mountains and elsewhere 
they reach maturity at a length of 5 or 6 inches, and are often 
spoken of as brook trout, and with the impression that they are a 
species different from the larger ones found in the lakes and 
larger streams. But as all sorts and gradations between these ex- 
treme forms may be found in the intervening and connecting waters, 
the differences are not even of sub-specific significance." 

As it should be of great interest to the angler what 
Doctor Evermann has to say about the game qualities of 
the Salmo-clarkii, I give it here: 

"The various forms of cutthroat trout vary greatly in game 
qualities; even the same sub-species in different waters, in different 
parts of its habitat, or at different seasons, will vary greatly in this 
regard. In general, however, it is perhaps a fair statement to say 
that the cutthroat trout are regarded by anglers as being inferior 

28 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

in gaminess to the Eastern brook trout. But while this is true, it 
must not by any means be inferred that it is without game qualities, 
for it is really a fish which possesses those qualities in a very high 
degree. Its vigor and voraciousness are determined largely, of 
course, by the character of the stream or lake in which it lives. 
The individuals which dwell in cold streams about cascades and 
seething rapids will show marvelous strength and will make a 
fight which is rarely equaled by its Eastern cousin; while in 
warmer and larger streams and lakes they may be very sluggish 
and show but little fight. Yet this is by no means always true. In 
Klamath Lakes, where the trout grow very large and where they 
are often very logy, one is occasionally hooked which tries to the 
utmost the skill of the angler to prevent his tackle from being 
smashed and at the same time save the fish." 

The oldest scientific name for the Red Throat or Cut- 
throat Trout is Salmo-mykiss. It was given to this trout 
by Walbaum in 1792. Later it was called Salmo-Pur- 
puratus by Pallas in 181 1, and in 1836 Richardson 
gave the species found in North America the name of 
Salmo-clarkii, by which name it is now generally called. 

Sub-species of Salmo-clarkii 

The Colorado River Trout 
Salmo-clarkii-pleuriticus (Cope) 

This trout is a native of the waters of the Colorado 
Basin. It is both large and handsome, having very small 
scales, and in western Colorado is extensively sought after 
by anglers. This trout abounds in all suitable waters 
throughout the Colorado Basin. 

It is "variable in color, size and form with its surroundings, 
and in most respects substantially identical with lewisi, the chief 

29 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

difference being that in this form, as in spilurus, stomias, and 
macdonaldi, the black spots are usually much more numerous on 
the posterior part of the body, while the head is usually free from 
spots. This is, however, not universally true. 

"In variety pleuriticus there is almost always a very distinct 
red lateral band, and the lower fins are more or less red." 



*> 



The Rio Grande Trout 
Salmo-clarkii-spilurus (Cope) 

This trout is a native of the Rio Grande River and 
the mountain streams of the Great Basin of Utah, and is 
found "as far south as the northern part of Chihuahua." 
While this trout has a number of black spots they are 
largely confined to the region of the tail. 

"This form is apparently wholly identical with variety pleu- 
riticus, except that in specimens examined the scales are less 
crowded forward, so that the number in a lengthwise series is less. 
I count 155 to 160 in Rio Grande specimens; 185 to 190 in those 
from Colorado. From the trout of the Great Basin (virginalis) , 
spilurus differs chiefly in the arrangement of its spots." 

The Great Basin of Utah Trout or 

The Utah Lake Trout 
Salmo-clarkii-virginalis ( Girard) 

This trout derives its name from the fact that it is a 
native of Utah Lake, Utah County, Utah, and the streams 
and waters of the Great Basin of Utah. 

"The trout of the Great Basin are profusely and not very 
coarsely spotted, the spots being numerous anteriorly as well as 
posteriorly, confined to the back rather than the tail." 

"In several examined, the scales are a little larger than in any 
of the other forms, 140 to 150 in a lengthwise series, the scales on 

30 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

the anterior part of the body being less crowded than in spilurus 
and stomias. In other respects virginalis scarcely differs from 
clarkii. 

"The large fishes from Utah Lake are very pale in color, the 
dark spots few and small, much as in variety macdonaldi, but 
fewer, and more on the back. This pale coloration is characteristic 
of lake and sea trout in general. It is doubtless partly due to the 
alkaline character of the waters of Utah Lake." 

The Green-back Trout 
Salmo-clarkii-stomias (Cope) 

This trout is a native of the Arkansas and Platte Rivers and 
"is especially fine in St. Vrain's River and the streams of Estes 
Park." It is a small trout having a green back or greenish-brown 
back with large black spots and a red throat patch. It also has 
small scales and "it closely approaches leivisi and spilurus. The 
black spots are always larger than in any of these, and mostly 
gathered on the tail." 

"The green-back trout seldom exceeds three-fourths of a pound 
in weight. It is very abundant in the streams of the Upper Ar- 
kansas as well as in the Twin Lakes. It spawns in spring, in snow- 
water if possible, and it will leave spring-water to find snow- 
water. In winter, however, they seek for warmer waters. It is 
said that when the winter breaks up the trout are too blind to see 
bait. 

"In color the green-back is green, or even almost black on the 
back. The lower fins and the throat are bright red, but there 
is not much trace of the red lateral band. The black spots are large 
and mostly confined to the posterior part of the body. In some 
cases these spots are ocellated with paler. 

"At the spawning time, in May and early June, the males have 
much red, but later the sexes become similar. In specimens found 
about pools, there is often much red even in summer. Those from 
deeper parts of the lake are always bright green, with a little red. 

"The flesh in these trout is extremely red, this color being 
probably heightened by the character of its food. In the specimens 

3i 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

from Arkansas River the body is plumper and softer than those 
from Twin Lakes." 



The Yellow-fin Trout 
Salmo-clarkii-macdonaldi (Jordan and Evermann) 

This trout is a native of Twin Lakes, Colorado. It 
is a large and handsome species, having lower fins of 
golden yellow from which it derives its common name. 
Its scientific name was given after the Hon. Marshall 
McDonald, who was the U. S. Fish Commissioner at the 
time it was recognized as a sub-species of clarkii. 

The Yellow-fin Trout is found largely on shallow 
gravelly bottoms, and is not often taken in deep water; 
it spawns in the spring and rises readily to the fly. 

This trout has "body more elongate and more compressed than 
usual among the trout. Head long, compressed, the snout mod- 
erately pointed. 

"Scales small and regularly placed. 

"Color, silvery olive, a broad lemon yellow shade along the 
sides, lower fins bright golden yellow in life, no red anywhere 
except the deep red dash on each side of the throat, which is never 
wanting in Salmo clarkii. Body posteriorly and on dorsal and 
caudal fin profusely speckled with small pepper-like spots, smaller 
than the nostril and smaller than in any other forms of the Salmo 
clarkii. Occasionally these spots extend forward to the head, but 
they are usually sparse on the anterior half of the body." 

The Waha Lake Trout of Washington 
Salmo-clarkii-bouvieri ( Bendire) 

This trout is a native of Waha Lake, Washington, 
which is a mountain lake without outlet. It is a small 

32 




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TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

trout with peculiar markings, having a short, blunt head, 
with large eyes. The spots are only found on the pos- 
terior part of the body. 

The Spotted Trout 
Salmo-clarkii-jordani (Meek) 

The Salmon Trout 
Salmo-clarkii-declivifrons (Meek) 

Both of these trout are natives of Lake Sutherland, 
Clallam County, Washington. It is a mountain lake not 
far from Lake Crescent, but is not connected with it. 
These two trout were discovered by Dr. Daniel G. Elliot. 

The Yellowstone Trout 
(Salmo-clarkii-lewisi) 

David Starr Jordan and Barton Warren Evermann 

say: 

"The Yellowstone or Lewis trout inhabits the Snake River 
basin above Shoshone Falls, and the headwaters of the Missouri. 
It is abundant throughout this whole region in all accessible waters, 
and is particularly numerous in Yellowstone Lake. As already 
stated the trout of Yellowstone Lake certainly came into the Mis- 
souri basin by way of Two-Ocean Pass from Upper Snake River 
basin. One of the present writers has caught them in the very act 
of going over Two-Ocean Pass from Pacific into Atlantic drain- 
age. The trout on the two sides of the pass cannot be separated, 
and constitute a single species." 

Columbia River Trout 

(The Silver Trout) 
(Salmo-clarkii-gibbsii) 

Of this trout David Starr Jordan and Barton Warren 
Evermann say: 

33 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

"In the tributaries of the Columbia, between Shoshone Falls 
and the Cascades, in the lakes and larger streams, there is a trout 
which may be called the silver trout. It is particularly common 
in the Des Chutes River, and in the Payette Lakes in Idaho. Ex- 
amples about 15 inches long taken in Big Payette Lake, had the 
spots small, half circles, few below middle of side; rosy wash on 
side and opercles, brightest in the male; scarcely any red on throat; 
belly silvery, back dark-greenish; scales about 140 to 145." 



THE TAHOE TROUT 

Genus: Salmo. Species: Henshawi. 

The Tahoe Trout receives its name from Lake Tahoe, 
which is located in California and Nevada, about two- 
thirds being in Placer and Eldorado counties, California, 
and one-third in Ormsby and Douglas counties, Nevada. 
This lake has an elevation of 6,225 feet, and its greatest 
depth is 1,640 feet. Carson City, the capital of Nevada, 
is the nearest large city, and is about ten miles distant. 

The Tahoe Trout is a native of Lake Tahoe, its tribu- 
taries and outlet, and is also found in Pyramid Lake, the 
Humboldt and the Carson. 

The Tahoe Trout "is a distinct species from Salmo clarkii and 
must be regarded as the finest of all the cutthroat trout. 

"It is readily known by its spotted belly, the black spots being 
evenly scattered over the whole surface of the body, above and 
below." 

This is a wonderfully game fish, and is to be found 
in abundance in Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake. 

Pyramid Lake, with an elevation of 4,000 feet, is lo- 

34 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

cated in Washoe County, Nevada, in the northwestern 
part of the State. It is about fifteen miles from the Cali- 
fornia line, and slightly to the northeast of Tahoe Lake, 
which is fifty miles distant. Reno, thirty miles away, is 
the nearest large city. 

Sub-species of Salmo-henshawi 

Silver Trout of Lake Tahoe 
(Salmo-henshawi-tahoensis) 

This sub-species is found in the depths of Lake Tahoe, 
where it lives, spawns and grows to the great weight of 
twenty-five to thirty pounds. 

THE GOLDEN TROUT 

Genus: Salmo. Species: Gilberti. 

The Golden Trout is a native of the Kings and Kern 
rivers of California and the creeks running into them. 
These are very handsome trout, being most beautifully 
and brilliantly marked and colored. 

They rise with alacrity to the fly, and the game quali- 
ties disclosed when hooked greatly surpass, for size and 
weight, all other species of Salmo-trout. All of the fins 
are especially large and powerful for such small trout, 
and it is on that account, in a measure, that they fight so 
savagely and persistently when hooked. 

There is a peculiar lightish coloring to the tip of the 
dorsal fin, which is always present to a greater or less de- 
gree, and is a distinguishing characteristic of the species. 

35 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

"In isolated streams with a bottom of red granite at the head- 
waters of the Kern are three species called 'golden trout,' all small 
and all brilliantly colored, each of these species being indepen- 
dently derived from Salmo gilberti, the special traits fixed through 
isolation." 

Sub-species of Salmo-gilberti 

The Golden Trout of South Fork, 

Kern River, California 

(Salmo-gilberti-aguabonita) 

This trout is a native of the creek from which it de- 
rives its name. The South Fork of the Kern River is 
in Kern and Tulare Counties, California, and is about 
one hundred and ten miles almost directly north of Los 
Angeles. 

The Golden Trout of Soda 

Creek, California 

(Salmo-gilberti-whitei) 

This trout is a native of Soda creek, which is to the 
southeast of Clear Lake in the extreme southern part of 
Lake Colusa County, California, and about seventy-five 
miles almost directly north of San Francisco. 

The Golden Trout of Volcano 

Creek, California 

(Salmo-gilberti-roosevelti) 

This trout is a native of Volcano creek, from which it 
receives its name. 



36 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

THE BROWN TROUT 

Genus: Salmo. Species: Fario. 

The Brown Trout is the brook-trout of Europe and is 
the principal trout of England and Germany, but is not a 
native of America. 

It has been imported into this country, planted in 
eastern waters and from these waters it has been trans- 
planted to some western waters, seeming to thrive in both 
places. 

The Brown Trout, from several standpoints, is with- 
out doubt the least attractive of all the species of trout 
found in America which rise to a fly. 

Its coloring or marking is poor indeed when com- 
pared with other trout. It is of a dirty brown color, shad- 
ing off to a yellow on the lower sides with a white belly ; 
it has comparatively few red spots in addition to the black 
ones and the scales are large, which gives an appearance 
of coarseness and a lack of that beauty which character- 
izes other trout. 

It is a game trout, but less so than nearly if not all of 
the other species, and I say this notwithstanding the fact 
that some few anglers (mostly dry-fly men) have cried 
early and late its game qualities. 

It rises readily to the fly and strikes with some force ; 
but when hooked, after a short struggle, during which it 
often breaks water two or three times, it gives up, and is 
quite easily and quickly landed. 

37 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

The Brown Trout is a hardy fish, and can live, propa- 
gate and thrive in much warmer water than the Brook 
Trout. It is at its best (in every way) when found in 
rather swift running streams, for then it shows its greatest 
life and gaminess, due entirely to the environment. 

If there were no other kind of trout that would rise 
to the fly in this country than this foreigner, the Brown 
Trout might, and probably would be, considered by all 
anglers "a fish of quality," but as yet such is not the case. 

Sub-species of Salmo-fario 

The English Brown Trout 

(Loch Leven Trout) 
(Salmo-fario-levenensis) 

This trout is found in some lakes and streams of this 
country, and is superior to the German species in every 
way. 

THE LAKE TROUT 

Genus: Christivomer. Species: Namaycush. 

This trout differs from the true Charr, although closely 
allied to them, but it is now placed in a different genus. 

This trout does not, except in rare instances and under 
peculiar conditions, ever rise to the natural or artificial 
fly, but is caught by almost any kind of bait (dead or 
alive) by trolling or still fishing in deep water. 

Small Lake Trout have been actually caught on the 
fly in shallow water over sandy and gravelly bars, where 
a stream enters a lake, but as far as I know it has always 

38 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

been in warm weather during the dusk of the evening. 
Trout so taken weigh from one and one-half to two and 
one-half pounds, and they put up an unusually good fight 
for a short time. The chance of catching these fish in 
this way, however, is so remote that it is hardly worth 
while attempting it. 

The Lake Trout is also called the Mackinaw Trout, 
the Lunge or the Togue, and is found in many lakes of 
New England, New York to Wisconsin, Montana and 
the Mackensie River. 

It grows to a large size, from fifteen to twenty pounds 
being not uncommon, and occasionally it reaches a weight 
of forty to seventy pounds, and they have been caught 
weighing one hundred pounds. 

Up to a weight of about seven or eight pounds the 
Lake Trout is rather a handsome fish, but after it exceeds 
this weight it begins to lose its good looks and grow 
ugly. The very heavy fish become almost monstrosities. 

Sub-species of Christivomer-namaycush 

The Siscowet or 

Lake Trout of Lake Superior 

Christivomer-namaycush-siscowet (Agassiz) 

"The siscowet differs from the ordinary Great Lake trout in 
having a deeper body, which is covered with a thicker skin, be- 
neath which is an excessive development of fatty tissue. 

"The scales are somewhat larger and the color is usually 
somewhat paler. 

"This fish is practically confined to Lake Superior, where it is 
abundant in deep water. Occasional examples have been taken 
in Lakes Huron and Erie." 

39 



CHAPTER II 
THE ART OF FLY-FISHING 

Although fly-fishing is a fine art it can be acquired 
to a greater or less extent by any angler who makes a 
study of it, and the proficiency attainable is only governed 
by the natural and sometimes by the acquired ability of 
the angler. 

It is essentially a personal or individual art, and can 
be perfected to a marked degree, after the rudimentary 
principles have been acquired, by carefully studying the 
habits of the fish and the conditions governing the waters 
in which they are found. By rudimentary principles is 
meant the casting of the fly, the handling of the line, leader 
and fly when fishing. Everything else is personal or in- 
dividual, and success is dependent only upon knowledge 
of the habits of the fish and the "fish sense" of the angler. 

The ability of any fisherman is naturally measured 
by the success attained in catching fish, and the degree 
of success is determined by the consistency of the angler's 
performances during a period of months or years. 

Some persons become expert anglers in stream fish- 
ing while they fail to make even a respectable showing on 
any other kind of water; and often still-water anglers of 

40 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

considerable skill cannot induce a trout to rise to a fly 
when fishing a stream. 

Trout fly-fishing with the artificial fly embraces two 
very unlike methods, and they are known as the wet-fly 
method and the dry-fly method. 

The art, skill and success of both methods consist 
in the ability of the angler to catch trout with light tackle 
under ever-changing conditions, and the angler who is 
a consistent performer is called a good and successful fly 
fisherman. 

The wet-fly method has been in existence for cen- 
turies, while the dry-fly method was born about the first 
of the latter half of the nineteenth century. 

While it is true that the dry-fly method has been prac- 
ticed in this country to a very limited extent for fifteen 
years or more, it is only during the last five or six years 
that the number of dry-fly fishermen has increased suf- 
ficiently to bring this branch of fly-fishing into wider 
notice. 

At the present time a few exponents of the method are 
valiantly trying still further to increase their number 
(using peculiar ways, to say the least) by persistently 
abusing the wet-fly method as well as the wet-fly fishermen, 
without showing much regard for the truth or facts. 

As illustrative of this attitude I quote from an article 
which appeared during 1912 in one of our sporting maga- 
zines, entitled "Caught with the Dry Fly." 

"If the angler wishes to be a true fly-fisherman, let him give up 
such tactics" (wet-fly-fishing) "and cast the dry fly! 

4i 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

"That the wet-fly is in many ways successful is freely ad- 
mitted; . . . but is it fly-fishing in the strictest sense of the 
term? Is it not often rather bait fishing with a fly as bait? 

"It is comparatively of little moment to the wet-fly fisher how 
his fly drops upon the water, for a greater part of the time the fly 
is let to sink below the surface, and if necessary yanked up to the 
top of the water again. 

"And, furthermore, how often is the wet-fly caster aware that 
a fish has taken his fly before he feels the jerk on his line resulting 
from the grab? In other words, how often does he know what is 
going on at the end of his line while his fly is below the surface of 
the water, and often completely out of sight? And how does all 
this differ from bait fishing with a fly? 

"Would not the same method be used were the fly replaced by 
a worm?" 



I now quote what the writer has to say about the dry- 
fly: 

"And everything within the range of vision, with the fly al- 
ways on the surface, so that the dash of the fish which always pre- 
cedes its furious onset is well and fully seen and taken in time, and 
can be successfully acted upon in consequence. 

"Are such conditions not more gratifying to the angler than 
the average conditions under which trout are caught by the caster 
of the wet fly? 

"One of the strongest arguments in favor of the use of the dry- 
fly in preference to the wet is the undeniable fact that the greatest 
amount of pleasure derived from fly-casting for trout is experi- 
enced in causing the fish to rise and take the fly, for after he is once 
hooked the whole proceeding begins to quiet down and lose its 
charm, for it is a very easy matter to land a trout that is well- 
hooked, the process requiring but little skill, for the trout rarely 
leaps into the air, as do salmon and bass, for instance, and hence 
it is comparatively easy to guide him over the landing net and 
thence into the creel. 

"The channel is a broad one, and consequently the shores are 

42 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

far apart, giving plenty of space in which to make a long cast with- 
out the aggravating interference of nearby bushes and trees, and 
then, again, this generous expanse of water gives the hooked trout 
a large field in which to exploit his agility, meanwhile keeping the 
fisherman in suspense!" 



In substance, this is the gist of what I have quoted 
about the two methods of trout fly-fishing: 

The wet-fly method: 

That wet-fly fishermen are nothing more than "bait" 
fishermen using a fly as bait. 

"That it is comparatively of little moment" how the 
wet-fly fisher handles his fly. 

That wet-fly fishermen "for a greater part of the time" 
let their flies sink well below the surface and then yank 
them "up to the top of the water again." 

That, as a general proposition, the wet-fly angler is 
not aware that a trout has risen to his fly "before he feels 
the jerk on his line resulting from the grab." 

That the wet-fly method of fly-fishing is the same as 
the "Bait" method of fishing because the writer can see 
no difference between them. 

The dry-fly method: 

That dry-fly fishermen are the only real or true fly fish- 
ermen. 

That as soon as a trout is hooked fly-fishing begins to 
lose its charm. 

That dry-fly-fishing is the only proper way to fish with 

43 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

a fly because everything is visible and on that account "can 
be successfully acted upon in consequence." 

That notwithstanding everything is visible and that a 
well-hooked trout requires "but little skill" to handle and 
land, dry-fly fishermen, when fishing under most favor- 
able conditions, are kept "in suspense." 

It certainly is interesting as well as amusing to note 
some of the things NOT mentioned in this article, as, for 
instance, how and where the writer obtained this wonder- 
ful and profound knowledge about wet-fly fishing and the 
anglers who practice this method. 

What spirit it was that urged him to write about a 
method of fly-fishing of which his very words convict him 
of having no real knowledge. 

Why he lays claim to being any kind of an angler or 
sportsman after making this kind of a statement, "for after 
he" (meaning the trout) "is once hooked the whole pro- 
ceeding begins to quiet down and lose its charm." 

Upon what theory he ever expects to gather in a single 
recruit to the ranks of the dry-fly anglers with such an un- 
fair article as "Caught with the Dry-Fly." 

Why he puts up as "one of the strongest arguments" 
for the dry-fly the "pleasure derived ... in caus- 
ing the fish to rise and take the fly," when this is equally 
true in every way as regards the wet-fly. 

England gave birth to the dry-fly method of trout fish- 
ing, and it has been extensively and successfully practiced 
there for many years. 

44 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

The greatest exponent of the art is an Englishman, 
Mr. Frederick M. Halford, the author of the following 
works : 

"Floating Flies and How to Dress Them." 

* "Dry-fly Fishing in Theory and Practice." 

* "Dry-fly Entomology." 
"Making a Fishery." 

"An Angler's Autobiography." 

* "Modern Development of the Dry-fly." 

* "The Dry-fly Man's Handbook." 

Mr. Halford is a real authority on the subject of dry- 
fly fishing, and it would be well worth the expense of own- 
ing the books marked with a star. 

Although "Dry-fly Fishing in Theory and Practice" 
is now out of print an occasional copy can be picked up 
at times; but it is earnestly hoped that before long there 
will be a new edition printed so that all ardent anglers 
can obtain a copy. 

The dry-fly method has been, and is, used successfully 
in this country on such streams as the Esopus, the Never- 
sink, the Beaverkill and the Willowemoc in New York 
State as well as some other waters, and in eddies, pools 
and slack waters of more rugged streams; but from my 
experience and as far as I have been able to ascertain it 
has not proved successful on ponds, lakes and fast-flow- 
ing streams that constitute at least ninety-five per cent, of 
the fishable waters for trout in this country. 

It is a fine art, this dry-fly method of angling, and it 

45 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

requires great skill and patience to practice it success- 
fully. It will not, however, I venture to say, black the 
stove, shine your shoes, comb your hair, clean your hat, 
or do a thousand other things that some American dry- 
fly writers would have every wet-fly angler and beginner 
believe ; and it is not perforce of many adverse conditions, 
the alpha and omega of all fly-fishing. 

This method of fly-fishing has come to stay, and it has 
its place in the angling world just the same as wet-fly fish- 
ing has its place, but no more. 

After owning a proper fly-fishing equipment, one has, 
in order to become successful as a wet or dry-fly fisher- 
man, to study the nature of the different species of trout; 
one must learn their habits and actions under many varied 
conditions, such as locality, the time of year, the time 
of day, the kind of day, the depth of water, the temperature 
of the water and the weather and water conditions, also 
the character of the natural food they have to live upon 
in the many different kinds of trout waters. 

Remember that as conditions change in the different 
trout waters, so must the method of fly-fishing vary, if the 
angler is to meet with success, as it is only by careful ob- 
servation and study of the altering conditions that the 
beginner can ever arrive at the much-coveted goal . . . 
that of becoming a really good fly fisherman. 

My suggestion to all fly fishermen is to use both the 
wet and dry-fly methods of fishing, and not to confine 
themselves to either method exclusively, but to use the 
method best adapted to the waters it may be their good 

46 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

fortune to fish. In this way one will be enabled to en- 
joy the pursuit of angling to the fullest extent whenever 
one can get away from the hot, noisy city and tiresome 
daily work, whether it be for a day, a week or a month. 

In order that there may be no misunderstanding about 
anything I say, let it be understood that I am a firm be- 
liever in both the wet and dry-fly method of trout fishing. 
But while I believe above all in fair play and tolerance 
of other anglers' views, I also believe in severe criticism 
of writers, on any branch of angling, who, for any rea- 
son, make unfair, unjust, untrue, and contemptible state- 
ments and insinuations about brother writers and what 
they have to say. 

When considering the art of fly-fishing it is important 
to realize that there is as much difference between the art 
of fly-casting and fly-fishing as there is between daylight 
and darkness. A person may be an expert fly-caster and 
at the same time be absolutely ignorant of the art of either 
wet or dry-fly fishing. This is said with no idea of dis- 
paragement of the art of casting or tournament casters. 

The two arts are very dissimilar, and it is not strange 
that such is the case when one considers that in fly-cast- 
ing there is but one essential requirement, while in dry-fly 
fishing there are four and in wet-fly fishing there are five. 

Requirements in Fly-Casting: 

This art requires solely the casting of a line, leader 
and fly, or their equivalent, with a fly rod and nothing 
more. 

47 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

The aim being to cast accurately the greatest possible 
distance and to accomplish it in "good form." 

Requirements in Dry-Fly Fishing: 

This method has four requirements, three more than 
fly-casting, and they are: 

The casting of the fly, 
The striking of the fish, 
The playing of the fish, 
The landing of the fish. 

Requirements in Wet-Fly Fishing: 

This method has five requirements, four more than 
fly-casting and one more than the dry-fly method, and they 

are: 

The casting of the fly, 
The fishing of the fly, 
The striking of the fish, 
The playing of the fish, 
The landing of the fish. 

Primarily there are, between the wet and the dry-fly 
method of fly-fishing, only two radically different require- 
ments in the successful application of both methods, 
namely, The casting of the fly and The fishing of the fly. 

The Dry-Fly Method: 

To fish properly by this method it is necessary to use 
especially-made flies that embody two all-important fea- 
tures, likeness to the natural flies found upon our streams, 

48 




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TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

and so made that they will float with the wings cocked for 
a considerable length of time. After having obtained the 
proper equipment the most important element in dry-fly 
fishing is "The casting of the fly." 

The Wet-Fly Method: 

With this method of fly-fishing no especially made 
flies are necessary to success, as both wet and dry flies 
are productive of good results. 

The all-important element to obtain success in wet- 
fly fishing is "The fishing of the fly" 

That there is a difference of opinion as to what is the 
all-important element in wet-fly fishing, I am well aware, 
but this difference is not nearly so great between the wet- 
fly anglers themselves as it is between the dry and the wet- 
fly fisherman. 

Just why it is that dry-fly anglers have so much to say 
about this particular subject, wet-fly fishing, I sometimes 
wonder, because, judging from their attitude, how can it 
possibly interest them? 

As illustrative of this remark, let us for a moment con- 
sider, along this line, what some dry-fly anglers have to 
say. 

Taken from "Caught with the Dry-Fly" : 

"It is comparatively of little moment to the wet-fly fisher how 
his fly drops upon the water, for a greater part of the time the fly 
is let to sink below the surface, and if necessary yanked up to the 
top of the water again." 

49 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

Taken from "The Dry-Fly in America" (La 
Branche) : 

"Even in wet-fly fishing it is at all times necessary to cast deli- 
cately and accurately. ... 

"The man who believes this (that the casting of a fly is sub- 
ordinate to the fishing of the fly) will never become an accom- 
plished fly fisherman; nor will he, if he does not realize that the 
greatest essential to success lies in placing the fly lightly and ac- 
curately." 

Taken from "The New York Times," June g, IQ13: 

"The wet-fly, as anyone conversant at all with angling knows, 
sinks as soon as it strikes the water." 

So it seems that dry-fly enthusiasts are somewhat at 
odds about what is the proper thing for the wet-fly man 
to do. 

While it is easy to contend that a man is wrong if one 
happens to disagree with him, it is rarely a convincing 
form of argument. Disputed questions whether in law 
or sport should be argued fairly and impartially, and it 
is disappointing to find, as I have pointed out, that the 
spokesman of the minority has preferred to make state- 
ments which even a casual examination prove to be biased 
and incorrect. 

Some of the dry-fly anglers, if we are to judge from 
what many of them put into print, belong to the minority 
class who spell success in fly-fishing with the word AN- 
TICIPATION, and seem to take issue with the wet-fly 
angler because he sees fit to spell success with the word 
REALIZATION. 

50 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

In other words, the large majority (wet-fly anglers) 
are wrong, and the small minority (dry-fly anglers) are 
right, because they say they are, and this is, in their minds, 
sufficient to settle the matter. 

You will find that American dry-fly anglers say many 
unfair things about wet-fly anglers and their method, 
largely in the form of abuse and untruthful statements. 

Where do you find the wet-fly anglers stating any such 
things about dry-fly anglers? 

The strongest term I have heard applied to the dry- 
fly man by the advocate of the wet-fly is that of "faddist." 

I have yet to find a single recorded instance where a 
wet-fly angler has resorted to the same questionable tac- 
tics as the American dry-fly angler, and I believe this to 
be the case because he grants to the dry-fly man the same 
right he claims for himself: the privilege of fishing as he 
sees fit without damning any particular method or tell- 
ing him how he should fish. 

The American dry-fly writer seems to delight in al- 
ways speaking of the wet-fly as the "sodden" and "sunken" 
fly, but that does not make it so in reality, nor does the 
fact that the wet-fly writer has called the dry-fly a "fad" 
and its user a "faddist" make it so. 

Of course it is possible, but not at all probable, that 
some of the dry-fly writers know nothing about wet-fly 
fishing or their knowledge has been gained not from good 
but poor wet-fly men. In either case they should be for- 
given for what they say, but not for writing about a sub- 
ject in ignorance. 

5i 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

The good and, therefore, successful wet-fly anglers do 
not use a "sodden" or "sunken" fly in the sense the dry- 
fly writer would have his readers believe. 

A "sodden" fly is one that has been soaked through and 
through in water, it is saturated; and such are the flies 
the wet-fly angler is said to use by the dry-fly men, and 
they are also said to be made "sodden" before they are 
used. 

This is a deliberate misstatement of facts because they 
are not true; real wet-fly anglers never soak their flies be- 
fore using. 

A wet-fly in the hands of a good wet-fly man is never a 
"sodden" fly, and cannot become so even with constant use 
because it cannot be made saturated, owing to the way it 
is handled. 

A "sunken" fly is one that must be deep down in the 
water, such as a "sunken" rock, a "sunken" battery, a 
"sunken" body or a "sunken" boat, but the wet-fly that is 
fished under the surface of the water from one to twenty 
inches should not be by any stretch of the imagination 
called "sunken," especially as it is controlled and manipu- 
lated by the angler. 

The wet-fly can only become a "sunken" fly after it 
has been made "sodden" and all control over it has been 
lost by the angler, due to the severing of the leader or line. 

The wet-fly is fished by the great majority of wet-fly 
anglers in this country, mostly upon or nearly upon the 
surface of the water, just under the surface and sometimes 
as deep as twenty inches, but never so far below the sur- 

52 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

face that the angler cannot see the swirl of the trout when 
it rises and strikes. 

The wet-fly angler is said to fish his fly or flies in such 
a manner and so deep that he cannot tell when he has a 
strike until he feels the "yank," the "grab" or the "jerk" 
on the line ; and the strangest part of all this is that the dry- 
fly writer apparently thinks that his readers will believe 
such absurd stuff. 

It is but fair to say right here of the good wet-fly angler 
that he never waits until he feels the "yank," the "grab" 
or the "jerk" on his line before striking, because if he 
did he could not be called a good fisherman for the reason 
he would be unsuccessful. 

The fact is that such statements as these are wholly 
untrue and should be beneath the dignity of any dry-fly 
writer to make if he has any real knowledge of wet-fly 
fishing, and if he has no knowledge then they are per- 
nicious. 

The wet-fly anglers have been very patient for some 
time, and even now have no desire to quarrel with their 
brothers, the dry-fly men, but they do insist upon fair 
play and protest against the many unfair and untrue state- 
ments and insinuations made by them. 

Dry-Fly Fishing: 

Concisely, dry-fly fishing consists in fishing with an 
artificial fly, especially constructed in such a manner as 
to resemble the natural insect and float and remain upon 
the surface of the water if properly handled by the angler. 

53 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

Only one fly is used, which is generally of the eyed 
hook pattern, fastened to a light, finely drawn, tapered 
or flat silkworm gut leader, which in turn is fastened to 
a tapered or flat high-grade enameled water-proofed silk 
line. The tapered leader and tapered line are the best to 
use and have the approval of the "purists." 

The rod is preferably of split bamboo, from nine feet 
and a half to ten feet and a half in length, and weighs from 
four and one-half to seven ounces. 

The rod that finds general favor is one which is 
ten feet long, and weighs from five to five and one-half 
ounces. 

Some anglers believe that the rod should have great 
resilience, thus making it rather a "stiff rod," and on this 
account called by them the "powerful rod." 

The MOST essential thing, however, other than qual- 
ity, is that the rod should be suited to the angler's physical 
requirements; in other words, it must fit him. 

The fly is cast "up stream" by most dry-fly anglers, 
and it is considered the only proper way to cast the dry- 
fly, when it is possible to do so, by the best exponents of 
the art. 

The dry-fly is kept in condition to float by the making 
of a number of false casts between each regular cast and 
by the application, from time to time, of paraffin oil. To 
accomplish the same thing with the leader and a portion 
of the line, deer fat is rubbed on them. 

As the object in dry-fly fishing is to keep the fly always 
floating upon the surface of the water, properly placed 

54 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

with the fly cocked, it is at once apparent that the most 
important element in this method of fishing must be "the 
casting of the fly," because "the playing of the fly is en- 
tirely eliminated," as its movement on the water is caused 
or should be caused solely by the current. 

In order that the dry-fly can take its proper course 
down a stream like the natural fly the angler is obliged to 
have his line slack after the cast is made; otherwise he 
will not be fishing properly, and will have to contend with 
what the dry-fly men call the "drag." 

The striking, hooking, playing and landing of a trout 
in no way differ from the methods employed when hand- 
ling the wet-fly. 

The conditions governing the efficient use of the dry- 
fly are three : weather, wind and water. To practice this 
art of fishing with even a fair chance of success, favor- 
able conditions must first exist, and over these three con- 
ditions the angler has no control. 

Is it not, then, a fair statement to make that the appli- 
cation of the art of dry-fly fishing is necessarily restricted, 
to some extent, as to time and place on account of physical 
conditions? 

One of the strong claims made for dry-fly fishing is 
that, with this method of fishing, trout can be caught in 
certain waters, when the conditions are right, because 
they have become "educated" to the ordinary fly and the 
wet-fly method fails of success, and this is a proper and 
just claim. 

55 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

Wet-Fly Fishing: 

Wet-fly fishing consists of all the features of dry-fly 
fishing, except that especially constructed flies are not 
often used nor is anything applied as a general thing to 
the fly, leader and line to make them float. 

Wet-fly fishing, however, embraces one more feature 
or requirement than dry-fly fishing, namely, the playing 
or fishing of the fly upon or under the surface of the water. 

You will observe when casting the wet-fly, if you have 
not already done so, that trout seldom rise to the fly when 
it first strikes the water after the cast is made. As a mat- 
ter of fact, after years of experience in wet-fly fishing for 
trout, on many kinds of water, I am prepared to state as 
my opinion that such a thing does not happen once in 
thirty casts. 

Therefore, it is not alone the act of casting the fly 
lightly and well or "delicately and accurately" upon the 
water that is the means whereby trout are induced to rise 
to the fly in the first instance. 

Consequently, the principal element to master in 
wet-fly fishing, in order to make trout rise, is "the play- 
ing or fishing of the fly" upon or under the surface of the 
water after the cast has been made. 

This I realize is not the theory or belief of some dry- 
fly fishermen when speaking about wet-fly fishing, but 
would any wet-fly angler think of going to a dry-fly 
"purist" for information as to the most important element 
in wet-fly fishing when there are so many fully qualified 
experts in the wet-fly ranks? 

56 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

In wet-fly fishing there is no such thing as the "drag," 
consequently the fly or flies are fished with a taut line, and 
the command of the fly is always with the angler. 

This is what Mr. Samuel G. Camp, in his book entitled 
"The Fine Art of Fishing," has to say on this subject: 

"The manner in which the flies are fished distinguishes the fly- 
fisherman from the mere fly-caster, whether or no the fly-caster as 
such be expert or otherwise. 

"Fishing the fly, when all is said, is of far more importance 
than either the formation or coloration of the fly. The operation 
of casting may, to a certain extent or natural limit of proficiency, 
be learned by almost anyone." 

"FISHING THE FLY IS QUITE ANOTHER MAT- 
TER AND HEREIN THE ANGLER SHOWS HIS 
QUALITY." 

For your own satisfaction and education, when the 
opportunity offers, keep an account of the number of rises 
you get when your fly first strikes the water and the num- 
ber you get after you have begun to fish the fly, and so 
prove for yourself what the real facts are on this subject. 

As illustrating the effect of properly "fishing the fly" 
on a stream I will mention a case that I had the good for- 
tune to observe. A certain pool, where there was deep 
and fast and slow running water, had been fished faith- 
fully for nearly two hours by an angler who was an ex- 
pert caster with either a short or a long line. He tried 
both wet and dry flies, but to no avail, as not a single fish 
(trout or salmon) rose to them. He gave up the pool 
in disgust to another angler, who fished with the wet-fly. 

57 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

On the third cast a three-pound salmon was hooked, 
played, landed and weighed, then returned to the water 
unhurt. In less than ten minutes the second angler had 
hooked and landed another salmon, which weighed over 
three pounds and returned this fish to the water unhurt. 
After making a change of flies and casting for perhaps 
fifteen or twenty minutes he hooked and landed a fine 
male salmon weighing five and one-half pounds, which 
he killed and took back to camp for the next day's dinner. 

The fish were rising during all the time both anglers 
were fishing the pool. Why was it the good caster got 
nothing and the good fisher of the fly caught three fish? 

Another instance I observed was at a noted large pool 
in Little Kennebago Lake, Maine. This pool had been 
fished all day by at least seven boats containing twelve 
fishermen. The largest fish that had been caught up to 
four o'clock weighed just one pound. At that time one 
canoe and one more boat arrived at the pool, and the wet- 
fly angler in the boat got a rise on his second cast and 
hooked, played and landed a trout which weighed over 
three pounds on the scales. Within half an hour he had 
caught several fair sized trout and then "brought to net" 
another one that weighed very nearly three and three-quar- 
ter pounds. Only the two large trout were killed (they 
were both male fish), and as it was growing dusk he 
started back to camp. 

During the time this angler was at the pool the other 
anglers did not catch a trout that weighed as much as half 
a pound. 

58 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

Why was it this one angler caught good-sized trout 
when fourteen other anglers could not, although they had 
the best locations at the pool? 

These two instances, where the angler who knew how 
to fish his flies and consequently caught fish, are but two of 
hundreds of instances that I have observed in many parts 
of this country. 

The good fly fisherman, who is always the successful 
fisherman in the long run, not only knows how to fish his 
flies, but he knows how to select the flies to fish, and he 
chooses them for color according to the weather and water 
conditions and the time of day. 

In closing this chapter, I cannot do better than quote 
from "Practical Dry-Fly Fishing," written by Mr. Emlyn 
M. Gill, to show that all dry-fly men are not in the same 
class. 

"But to be a finished wet-fly angler one must possess as much 
skill as the dry-fly fisherman. 

"There are no insurmountable obstacles in the way of becom- 
ing a successful dry-fly angler that do not confront the user of the 
sunken fly." 



59 



CHAPTER III 

A COMPARISON OF THE MERITS OF THE WET 
AND DRY-FLY METHODS OF FLY-FISHING 

To say that a person enjoys the dry-fly method of fly- 
fishing more than the wet is entirely proper as it is the 
right and privilege of every angler to select such method 
as he sees fit without regard for what any other angler 
may think or say. 

But when it comes to asserting that dry-fly fishing is 
a greater art than wet-fly fishing it is quite another ques- 
tion, and one that cannot be fairly determined by mere 
opinion. 

The two methods are very different in one essential 
at all events, the casting of the fly, yet both methods are 
practiced to the same end, namely, that of catching trout ; 
and to do so both methods must be applied in such a man- 
ner as to deceive the fish. 

Therefore we start with a fact, not an opinion, that to 
catch trout with the artificial fly the fish must first be de- 
ceived. 

It is undoubtedly true that there are many different 
kinds of both wet and dry-fly fishermen, and this neces- 
sarily must be the case because all anglers cannot possibly 
have the same knowledge, experience and skill. 

60 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

Consequently, it must follow, as a fact, that all anglers, 
irrespective of method, are not equally good fly-fishermen. 

Because one dry-fly angler fishes across or down the 
stream and one wet-fly angler fishes with his fly well down 
in the water, it does not follow that such an application of 
either method is the proper or controlling factor by which 
either style of fly-fishing should be judged. 

Here then is established the fact that when comparing 
the relative merits of wet and dry-fly fishing it is mani- 
festly proper that we should consider the two methods as 
set forth by the best exponents of each art, and it should 
be done fairly and without favor. 

The dry-fly angler uses flies that are constructed so as 
most nearly to represent the natural ones found upon the 
streams, and also in such a manner as to make them float 
upon the surface of the water. 

The wet-fly angler uses flies that only passably repre- 
sent a few of the natural ones, but which in most instances 
do not represent, in the remotest manner, any known kind 
of fly. 

The dry-fly angler fishes his fly upon the surface of the 
water exclusively, while the wet-fly angler fishes his fly 
or flies both upon and below the surface of the water, de- 
pending upon conditions. 

The object with each method being to deceive the trout 
and make them rise to the fly. 

When the dry-fly is cast, to use the expression of a 
"Disciple," everything is "within the range of vision, with 
the fly always on the surface," and this is equally true 

61 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

when the wet-fly is cast and fished upon or just under the 
surface, so far as being "within the range of vision" is 
concerned. 

Now consider the flies mentioned and determine for 
yourself which fly is most likely to deceive the wary trout, 
the one most nearly representing the natural fly or the 
one which is a poor imitation? 

And to which fly would you expect the trout to rise, 
assuming the attraction to be solely the fly and nothing 
else? 

Can it be other than self-evident, first, that the dry- 
fly would better deceive the trout, and, second, that the 
trout would naturally rise to the most natural-looking 
fly? 

Is it not fair and just, then, to say that so far as the fly 
alone is concerned the dry-fly has the advantage over the 
wet-fly? 

Now consider the dry-fly and the wet-fly when it is 
fished below the surface of the water to a depth of twelve 
inches, or so deep that the angler cannot see the fly, yet 
not so deep as to prevent his seeing the rise or swirl of the 
trout. 

The dry-fly is "within the range of vision," and the 
wet-fly is without or beyond "the range of vision" . . . 
With which fly, the wet or the dry, would it be easier to 
strike and hook a rising trout, and with which fly would 
the greater skill be required? 

Again, is it not self-evident, first, that it would be 

62 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

easier to hook the fish with the dry-fly, and, second, to hook 
the fish with the wet-fly would require the greater skill? 

Does it not appear again as if the dry-fly had the ad- 
vantage over the wet-fly f 

The dry-fly floats and moves without any aid from the 
angler after it falls upon the water; therefore, after the 
cast is made up to the time the fly is recovered for an- 
other cast, no act of the angler plays any part in the de- 
ception or attraction of the trout — the fly does it all. 

How is it with the wet-fly? The angler makes his 
cast, he then plays or fishes his fly until a recovery is 
necessary for another cast — it is the angler who does it 
all. 

Under these conditions and facts, where does the 
greater skill lie, with the wet or the dry-fly angler? 

The dry-fly angler at the outset would seem to have at 
least three points of vantage over his brother, the wet-fly 
angler, in that he has : 

First — The most natural fly. 

Second — The fly most likely to deceive the trout. 

Third — His fly is "always on the surface" with "everything 
within the range of vision." 

It is only fair to say that the wet-fly angler has one 
advantage over the dry-fly angler, which consists in the 
playing or fishing of the fly or flies upon or under the 
surface of the water, although this is not considered or 
admitted to be an advantage by the advocates of the dry- 
fly. 

63 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

There are other features which must be taken into 
account when comparing these two methods of fly-fish- 
ing before any conclusion should be reached as to the 
relative merits of each, and they consist of where and 
when each method can be successfully practiced. 

The dry-fly angler can successfully ply his art on 
streams that are placid, slow running and clear; on 
streams that are shallow, having many rocks and small 
or large pools of no great depth; on portions of more 
rugged streams, such as eddies, pools and slack waters 
and sometimes on lakes just beyond where a stream enters. 

Having the proper waters to fish, the dry-fly angler 
can enjoy fishing, usually with success, whenever the 
weather, wind and water conditions are favorable, but 
at no other time. 

The dry-fly angler cannot hope to accomplish any- 
thing when it is rainy, or when the wind is high or gusty 
or when the water is disturbed or roilly; so it is apparent 
that natural conditions must play a most important part 
in the proper application of the art of dry-fly fishing un- 
der all circumstances. 

On the other hand, for the wet-fly angler to enjoy 
fishing with more than average chance of success, all that 
is necessary is available fishable water, and it makes no 
difference what the weather, wind and water conditions 
may be, so far as applying the art of wet-fly fishing is 
concerned, because success rests largely with the angler 
and not necessarily with the physical conditions, as is 
the case in dry-fly fishing. 

64 




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TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

Would it not seem at this time that it was a fair state- 
ment to make that, everything considered, the wet-fly 
method was a more comprehensive method of fly-fishing 
than the dry-fly method? 

And also, is it not a truthful and impartial statement 
to make, that, before dry-fly fishing can be practiced with 
success, certain absolutely fixed requirements or condi- 
tions must be supplied either by mankind or by nature, 
and are not these the five requirements? 

First — The angler must use only such flies as will float. 

Second — The flies must very closely resemble the natural flies 
they are intended to imitate. 

Third — The flies must be fished "always on the surface." 

Fourth — The Angler must have the proper water to fish suc- 
cessfully. 

Fifth — The physical conditions must be such as to enable the 
angler to apply his art properly. 

The wet-fly angler is not restricted to these five re- 
quirements as is the dry-fly angler. As a matter of fact, 
he is restricted in no sense of the word, and only requires 
fishable waters of any kind in order to apply his art of 
angling. 

The wet-fly angler is not restricted as to time and 
place, as he is not restricted as to kind of fly, or as to any 
particular rules for fishing it, would it not appear as if 
the wet-fly fisherman was the more versatile, and would it 
not follow that he was also the more skilful for the same 
reason? 

65 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

Advantage does not mean merit, and a restricted art 
is not as comprehensive as one that is unrestricted, and it 
is also true that a limited art cannot be as great or re- 
quire such a degree of skill as one that is unlimited. 

In the London Field appeared this statement: 

"Startling as the statement may sound, it is probably true that 
the really good wet-fly fisherman is a greater rarity than the really 
good dry-fly man." 

In the London Fishing Gazette appeared this state- 
ment: 

"A real expert with the wet-fly is a much rarer bird than one 
with the dry." 

Do not these two statements, coming as they do from 
the home of the dry-fly, indicate that greater skill is re- 
quired to become a good wet-fly angler than to become a 
good dry-fly angler? 

Emlyn M. Gill in ''Practical Dry-Fly Fishing," says: 

"But to be a finished wet-fly angler one must possess as much 
skill as the dry-fly fisherman." 

Henry P. Wells, the author of "Fly-Rods and Fly- 
Tackle," was one of the greatest wet-fly fishermen this 
country has ever known, and one whose knowledge of 
how the art of fly-fishing should be practiced, and how 
the tackle should be constructed, has never been sur- 
passed. 

66 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

He very aptly says : 

"The truth is there are few points in regard to fly-fishing of 
which it may justly be said this is right and that is wrong, irre- 
spective of attendant circumstances." 

There appeared in The New York Sunday Times of 
June 9, 1912, an article upon Dry-Fly Fishing in which 
Emlyn M. Gill is reported as saying: 

"The wet-fly, as anyone conversant at all with angling knows, 
sinks as soon as it strikes the water." 

At the time I read this article I was inclined to be- 
lieve that Mr. Gill had been misquoted on the ground 
that he was considered to be an experienced wet-fly angler 
long before he took up the dry-fly. I could not imagine 
how anyone, even an angler of limited experience, so ex- 
pressing himself about the wet-fly, unless the fly had been 
deliberately soaked before ever a cast was made. 

Such a proceeding would be decidedly irregular and 
not at all in keeping with good practice of wet-fly fishing. 

I forgot all about the matter until I read Mr. Gill's 
article, entitled "Dry-Fly Fishing with A. W. Dimock," 
which appeared in the February, 1913, issue of Field and 
Stream. 

In this article Mr. Gill states as follows : 

"Mr. Dimock had been for many years a wet-fly fisherman, 
and as considerable discussion had been going on in the sporting 
papers and elsewhere as to the comparative merits of the dry-fly 
and the wet, we thought that we would give both an impartial 
tryout. 

67 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

"Standing below a likely bit of water, after soaking a whirling 
dun so thoroughly that it would sink immediately after striking 
the water, I would cover carefully all water within casting dis- 
tance. 

"The stream was so clear that usually I could see the fly com- 
ing down stream a few inches below the surface. 

"After all promising water had been fished with care, the sod- 
den fly was removed and a fly exactly like it, but dry, substituted. 

"The floating fly seemed to have the effect of arousing the trout 
to action at once. During the week I estimate that there was an 
average of ten rises to the dry-fly to every one to the same fly wet. 

"Mr. Dimock will probably agree with me in this estimate." 

Mr. Dimock and Mr. Gill are both well-known an- 
glers, and anything either of these gentlemen says about 
fly-fishing is worthy of great consideration at all times. 

In this instance, however, I must take exception to 
what Mr. Gill has to say about giving the dry-fly and the 
wet "an impartial tryout," but no exception is taken to 
the estimate of ten to one, because a wet-fly fisherman of 
experience would expect to see just such a result follow 
under the conditions of the tryout. 

Thinking perhaps I did not fully realize what the 
word impartial meant, I referred to "The Century" and 
found impartial to mean, "Not partial, not favor- 
ing one more than another; unprejudiced, equitable; 
just." 

Having this meaning in mind, I ask Mr. Gill if he 
really considers it an impartial tryout of the two fly-fish- 
ing methods to have the fly that is fished wet so thoroughly 
soaked "that it would sink immediately after striking the 
water"? 

68 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

And why this wet-fly should be fished "up stream" 
when most successful wet-fly fishermen fish the fly 
"across" the stream so that the fly can be played or fished 
by the angler? 

The tryout mentioned by Mr. Gill simply proved that 
a dry-fly fished on the surface of the water was more suc- 
cessful than when fished under the surface. 

It was the merit of the fly and the same kind of fly 
that was ascertained when fished in the same way by a 
dry-fly enthusiast, only it was at one time fished as a dry- 
fly and at another as a "sodden fly" "up stream," but other- 
wise the method was the same in each case. 

Such a tryout proves nothing as to the comparative 
merits of the two methods, because the two methods were 
not compared. It was a dry-fly fished in the same man- 
ner, but in different places. 

With all due respect for Mr. Gill, and I believe him 
to be the fairest of all American dry-fly anglers, neverthe- 
less I am unable to understand how such an angler can 
hope fairly and impartially to do even substantial justice 
to both methods of fly-fishing in any kind of a tryout 
where he himself demonstrates the application of each. 

It is hardly within the ability of any angler, no matter 
how expert he may be, to be equally good at the applica- 
tion of both arts, the wet and the dry-fly methods of 
fishing. 

Then again each angler has his natural liking for one 
of the two methods of fly-fishing, which of itself would 

69 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

render him unfit to try out both methods in any compara- 
tive test for determining the merits of both. 

The comparative merits of the two methods of fly- 
fishing can only be fairly, squarely and impartially tried 
out by two anglers, one representing the wet-fly and the 
other the dry-fly, and each should be an expert exponent 
of his respective style of fly-fishing. 

Results obtained from such a tryout would be of some 
value in determining which method was the more compre- 
hensive as well as skillful, without prejudice to either. 

It must always be borne in mind that the test between 
the dry-fly dry and the dry-fly wet is not the question, but 
that the test is between the two methods of fishing with 
a fly, the wet and the dry. 

Mr. Gill's tryout proved nothing as to the relative 
merits of the two styles of fly-fishing any more than a try- 
out would prove anything had a wet-fly been substituted 
for a dry one by Mr. Gill, and certainly he would not have 
thought such a tryout was at all fair to his method of fish- 
ing the fly, nor would any fair-minded angler think so. 

In trying out the two methods of fly-fishing both ex- 
ponents of the two styles should be obliged to fish, not only 
waters suitable to the dry-fly, but those suitable to the wet- 
fly as well. Both methods should be tested on all the dif- 
ferent fishable waters, for only in this way can the real 
merits be at all determined with fairness to each and a 
proper comparison be made. 

It is refreshing at times to observe the frankness and 
fairness with which an English dry-fly angler says cer- 

70 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

tain things about fly-fishing. I have in mind what George 
A. B. Dewar, author of "The Book of the Dry-Fly" states 
about the two different methods of fly-fishing. 

"The dry-fly is as clearly out of place on the wet-fly water as 
the wet-fly is on the dry-fly stream." 

"After all, it is only in the style of deceiving and hooking fish 
that dry-fly and wet-fly anglers . . . assuming both to be 
good sportsmen . . . can much differ. In nearly all other 
fly-fishing matters they must naturally be at one." 

"It has already been said that the dry-fly is quite out of place 
in many trout streams." 

"The dry-fly streams, though they have increased of late years, 
are still and ever must be in a decided minority." 

"The dry-fly angler is not, as a rule, a very early riser. He can 
do nothing without natural fly, and in my experience there are very 
few duns or other water-flies out till nine or even ten o'clock in the 
morning." 

What Mr. Dewar says, in the main, applies equally 
well to the conditions found in this country so far as dry- 
fly fishable waters are concerned. 

As to the time of fishing that is governed to a great 
extent by the fact that in England the angler "fishes the 
rise," while in America the angler "fishes the stream." 

These are true statements made by Mr. Dewar, and 
just as soon as the dry-fly anglers and writers of this coun- 
try realize such is the case and quit their manifestly un- 
fair attitude toward the wet-fly angler their standing in 
the angling world will be decidedly improved from what 
it is at the present time. 

Because the fly-fishing conditions, as well as the trout, 
of England are so different from those found in this coun- 

7i 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

try, one can understand why the dry-fly anglers there may 
be absolutely correct when speaking about certain 
methods used by wet-fly men. 

On the other hand, one cannot understand how the 
American dry-fly anglers can make the statements they do 
unless they simply voice their English cousins' views, hav- 
ing no real knowledge of their own. 

For instance, Mr. Dewar, who is an exceptionally fair 
writer in what he has to say about the wet-fly angler, makes 
several statements that do not apply to wet-fly fishing in 
this country at all, and to which every good sportsman and 
angler who uses the wet-fly method very properly and em- 
phatically objects. 

I refer to such statements as these : 

"As a rule he" (the wet-fly angler) "fishes down or across 
stream, and does not strike till he feels his fish." 

"It is the aim of the wet-fly angler, as we have seen, to make 
his flies sink below the surface. ..." 

"It might not be too much to say that it is no more satisfaction 
to him" (the wet-fly angler) "to hook and land a particular feeding 
fish than to hook in a rough bit of water a fish of whose existence, 
till the tug on the line came, he knew nothing." 

I do not believe the anglers of this country, the fair- 
minded-sportsmen, be they wet or dry-fly exponents of the 
two different methods, will ever tolerate such statements 
as these made by dry-fly writers, especially when such a 
noted and experienced angler as Henry P. Wells, who 
was an expert wet-fly angler, states as follows, speaking 
about striking trout. 

72 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

"Not that the angler is to rely in the SLIGHTEST DE- 
GREE ON FEELING THE FISH; his eye, and his eye alone, 
is his guide." 

Has it come to pass that the dry-fly angler shall not 
only determine everything about his own method but 
shall, as well, decide what are the usual and customary 
methods of the wet-fly angler? 

I, for one, think not, and say . . . Mr. Dry-Fly 
Man, you will have to call several more witnesses other 
than those of your own ilk, even to make out a case (much 
less get a verdict from any jury of real American sports- 
men) to the effect that the dry-fly method of fly-fishing 
is more scientific, more comprehensive and more skilful 
than the wet-fly method, as applied by the best exponents 
of the art. 

It should be borne in mind when the merits of the wet 
and the dry-fly are being considered and the two methods 
of fly-fishing are being compared, that the real success 
attained by the dry-fly, both in England and America, has 
been with the Brown Trout (Salmo-fario) and not the 
Brook Trout (Salvelinus-fontinalis). 

The marked difference between the Brown Trout and 
the Brook Trout in their habits and manner of feeding 
accounts in a great measure for this fact. And it is still 
further accounted for by the fact that Brown Trout can 
live in water where Brook Trout cannot, and they will 
thrive in water from ten to fifteen degrees warmer than 
water in which the Brook Trout can barely exist. 

The Brown Trout will rise to flies on streams and lakes 

73 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

on bright, clear, warm days, when the temperature of the 
water is at sixty degrees and over ; while under these con- 
ditions the Brook Trout, in order to live, seeks the coolest 
of places, such as under banks, in deep sheltered pools 
and in the shadows of large rocks and boulders, where 
they will remain inactive until the temperature of the 
water falls to 55 degrees and below. 

It is a fact that at such times the dry-fly method is suc- 
cessful, and at its best, and that the wet-fly method is least 
successful, and at its poorest; but how do these facts alone 
prove anything about the real merits of the two methods? 

Certainly all that they prove at most is that Brown 
Trout, under the conditions named, will rise to a fly when 
the Brook Trout will not. 

The dry-fly method of fishing for trout is a great art, 
but up to this time neither on paper nor by practical dem- 
onstration, I make so bold to say, has it been proven to be 
the superior to the wet-fly method. 



74 



CHAPTER IV 
THE FLY-ROD AND ITS FUNCTION 

Up to within a comparatively few years, or, to be more 
exact, to the advent of the American dry-fly purist, the 
angling fraternity was composed of big-hearted, nature- 
loving sportsmen, who respected their brother anglers' 
views even if they did not entirely agree with all of them. 

It is different now since the dry-fly fishermen have be- 
come writers, because a discordant element has thereby 
entered the once peaceful angling fraternity; but let us 
hope that time, "which cures many ills," will very nearly, 
if not entirely, restore the old-time feeling of respect, tol- 
erance and courtesy that one angler had for another. 

In order that the beginners at fly-fishing, who are to 
form the coming generation of anglers, may have in mind 
just the kind of thing to avoid in the future I am going 
to call their attention to what a well-known dry-fly angler 
has written about the views of a wet-fly angler and leave 
it to them and experienced anglers to determine later 
whether or not the above statement is warranted. 

Let us consider, for instance, a subject in which all 
fly-fishermen should be interested and compare what an 
old-time wet-fly angler and a modern dry-fly angler have 
to say about the fly-rod and its function. 

75 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

I quote from Dr. James A. Henshall's book, entitled 
"Favorite Fish and Fishing," in which he states his opin- 
ion of "the proper function of the rod." (Pages 71-72.) 

"The essential and most important office of a rod is that which 
is exhibited after the fish is hooked; ... in other words, in 
the playing and landing of the fish." 

"In practical angling the act of casting, either with fly or bait, 
is preliminary and subordinate to the real uses of a rod." 

"The poorest fly-rod made will cast a fly thirty or forty feet, 
which is about as far as called for in ordinary angling." 

"But it is the continuous spring and yielding resistance of the 
bent rod, constantly maintained, that not only tires out the fish, but 
protects the weak snell or leader from breakage, and prevents a 
weak hold of the hook from giving way; and this is the proper 
function of a rod." 

In contradistinction to what Dr. Henshall says about 
a rod, I now quote from the first chapter of Mr. George 
M. L. La Branche's book, entitled "The Dry-Fly in 
America," as follows: 

"The man who believes this will never become an accom- 
plished fly-fisherman, nor will he, if he does not realize that the 
great essential to success lies in placing the fly lightly and ac- 
curately." 

"In plain words, the reader is told that the proper function of 
a rod lies in the power which it gives the angler to kill fish, or, at 
the least, in enabling him to handle his fish with a minimum risk 
of loss." 

"I MAINTAIN THAT DR. HENSHALL'S PRINCIPLE IS WRONG BE- 
CAUSE IT PRESUPPOSES A DESIRE UPON THE PART OF THE ANGLER TO 
POSSESS FISH, . . . AND SURELY THE DESIRE OF POSSESSION 
ALONE CANNOT CALL SO MANY TO THE BROOKSIDE!" 

"Even in wet-fly fishing it is at all times necessary to cast deli- 
cately and accurately, and while this may be done with a soft rod 

76 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

by an expert, the command over line and fly in no way compares 
with the facility with which they may be handled on the more 
powerful rod." 

"Either through lack of experience or lack of confidence in 
their own opinion . . . if they have had any on the point 
. . . many latter-day writers have echoed Dr. Henshall's state- 
ment in some cases, word for word . . . with the 
result that their readers have been misguided in their selection of 
rods." 

"Is it wrong to assume that the advantage gained over the fish 
by using a rod which relieves the light gut leader of strain may be 
safely abandoned in favor of the rod which enables the angler to 
place his fly with more delicacy and precision, even though he risk 
a smash in hooking, or after, because of its stiffness?" 

Compare now what Dr. Henshall has to say about the 
fly-rod and its function with what Mr. La Branche has 
to say upon the subject and then, after carefully consid- 
ering the words of each, draw your own conclusions, 
which later verify by experience. 



I trust and believe that I am correct when I assume 
that both Dr. Henshall and Mr. La Branche speak from 
the same standpoint . . . fly-rods in general use for 
wet or dry-fly fishing. I also assume that both deem suc- 
cessful trout fishing with the artificial fly, using either 
method, to mean the ability to make the trout rise, to hook, 
to play and to land them. 

This, however, does not mean the killing of trout. 

77 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

Before going any further with the subject, I wish to 
call the reader's attention to what, in my judgment, is a 
fact, namely, that fly-rods vary just as much as do anglers, 
and that fly-rods have to be fitted to the anglers, not the 
anglers to the fly-rods, in order to achieve any kind of 
success at fly-fishing. 



Dr. Henshall maintains that the proper function of 
a rod (that is, its most important office) is brought into 
use in playing and finally landing a fish after it is hooked. 

Mr. La Branche, on the other hand, maintains that 
the most important function of the rod is to cast the fly 
lightly and accurately upon the water. 

Here then we have a direct issue as to the real func- 
tion of the fly-rod, and also as to the proper kind of rod 
to use. 

You will remember that Dr. Henshall, in what he has 
to say about a fly-rod and its most important function, does 
not mention one word about a "soft" or "powerful" rod, 
but confines himself to the action of the rod in service 
and what a good rod should accomplish if properly used. 



Let us consider just what it is Mr. La Branche has to 
say, how he says it and the meaning he wishes to convey 
to his readers. 

First — That anyone who believes Dr. Henshall can "never 
become an accomplished fly fisherman." 

78 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

Does not this statement, if it means anything, mean 
that, irrespective of the method, wet or dry, no angler 
who uses such a rod as Dr. Henshall describes can ever 
become an accomplished fly fisherman? 

It may be possible that Mr. La Branche has some spe- 
cial or peculiar meaning for the word "accomplished," 
but I understand the meaning of the word to be, "hav- 
ing completed, effected, or finished some given thing," 
and that an accomplished angler or fly fisherman is one 
who has carried the art of fly-fishing with light tackle and 
the artificial fly to the desired end, that of catching game 
fish. 

Certainly an angler who cannot catch fish is not an 
accomplished fly fisherman, and one who can catch them 
with any kind of rod must be called accomplished, and 
the poorer the rod used the greater must be the accom- 
lishment. 

A bald statement is one thing, a fact quite another, 
and in this instance the fact is, that there are many accom- 
plished fly fishermen all over the world who agree with 
Dr. Henshall about the function of the fly-rod as well as 
many expert fly-rod makers. 

Second — That the reader is told "in plain words" that the 
function of a rod is in the power "it gives the angler to kill fish." 

In all fairness and truthfulness I ask where is there 
anything in what Dr. Henshall has said about a fly-rod 
that can be distorted into meaning, or even implying, what 
Mr. La Branche so boldly asserts? 

79 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

Where are the words, "in plain words," or any other 
kind of words which Dr. Henshall has written, which say 
the function of a rod is in the power "it gives the angler 
to kill fish"? 

What motive was it that called forth such a statement, 
and what spirit was it that prompted these words which 
have not one letter of truth in them? 

Statements that are false on their face require no re- 
futing — they condemn themselves. 

Third — That "at the least" it enables the angler "to handle 
his fish with a minimum risk of loss." 

The rod the Doctor describes does enable the angler 
to cast, strike, hook, play and land his fish, if handled in a 
scientific and skilful manner, so as to save or protect the 
leader and snell and also to land the fish that is lightly 
hooked, all due to the action of the rod; but it does not 
mean, without skill, "to handle his fish with a minimum 
risk of loss." Far from it, as all experienced fly-fisher- 
men know to their sorrow and from sad, sad experience. 

Fourth — "I maintain that Dr. Henshall's principle is wrong, 
because it presupposes a desire upon the part of the angler to pos- 
sess fish, . . . and surely the desire of possession alone cannot 
call so many to the brookside!" 

Conceive, if you can, a supposedly experienced angler 
making such a statement in the first place and then ask 
yourself if it is possible for any sane fly-fisherman in the 
second place to take any stock in it. 

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TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

Consider the point of view carefully, digest the mean- 
ing of the words presupposes and possess as they are used, 
determine the idea their author wished to convey and then 
ask yourself if there is anything in what Dr. Henshall 
says about a fly-rod that would warrant such an unsports- 
manlike statement. 

If I am not in error as to the correct meaning of the 
word presupposes, he who presupposes has to assume 
something in advance without actual knowledge or ex- 
perience. On that account, to maintain that a principle 
is wrong would seem, to say the least, quite far-fetched, 
and also it would seem to be quite within reason and com- 
mon sense for no one to believe it. 

These are the words, "to possess fish" . . . but 
why was the word possess selected instead of the word 
catch? 

To possess means to have, to hold, and in the angling 
world it means to kill, while to catch means quite another 
thing, namely, to land your fish and then return it imme- 
diately, unharmed, to the water. 

Can there be any mistake about the sense in which this 
word possess is used when it is immediately followed by 
the word possession in this manner? . . . "and surely 
the desire of possession alone cannot call so many to the 
brookside!" 

The long and short of it is that Mr. La Branche more 
than plainly implies that all anglers who use such a rod 
as Dr. Henshall describes are simply desirous of killing, 
not catching, game fish with the fly. 

81 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

As there is absolutely nothing in what Dr. Henshall 
says about a fly-rod, not an iota of anything, that could 
in all fairness have called forth such a suggestion as cul- 
minates in this expression of opinion, what was it, then, 
that prompted it? The reader must draw his own conclu- 
sion. 

It requires something more than a mere statement of 
opinion based solely upon an assumption to disprove a 
principle, and surely some reasonable presentation of 
facts to convince experienced anglers that Dr. Henshall 
is wrong. 

Fifth — That a "soft" rod is not as good as a "more powerful 
rod." 

Now we are informed that a "soft" rod is not as good 
as a "more powerful rod," and this is a fact when it is con- 
sidered that a "soft" rod is one that is very willowy, or 
flexible to a degree, and lacks the important feature of 
resilience, while a "more powerful rod" is one that has 
this essential characteristic to a marked degree. 

But no one save Mr. La Branche has mentioned either 
kind of rod; surely Dr. Henshall has not done so, and 
the rod he does mention most certainly could not, by any 
stretch of the imagination, be called "soft." 

Let us again see just what it is that Dr. Henshall has 
to say about the fly-rod: 

"It is the continuous spring and yielding resistance of the bent 
rod, constantly maintained, that not only tires out the fish, but pro- 
tects the weak snell or leader from breakage, and prevents a weak 

82 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

hold of the hook from giving way, and this is the proper function 
of a rod." 



This fly-rod that Dr. Henshall describes has "continu- 
ous spring and yielding resistance . . . constantly 
maintained." Now what do these words mean? They 
mean to my mind, and I believe that I voice the view of 
Dr. Henshall as well as many experienced fly-fishermen, 
that this rod has, first, resistance which is constantly main- 
tained; second, it has the quality known as yielding resist- 
ance, and, third, on account of the yielding resistance, it 
has a continuous spring under strain. In other words, 
it is a "resilient" rod, not in any sense a "soft" rod. 

The degree of resilience that any fly-rod should possess 
must necessarily be determined by the angler who is going 
to use it, for he alone can tell whether or not it suits his 
physical make-up and ability. 

Sixth — "Either through lack of experience or lack of confi- 
dence in their own opinion ... if they have had any on the 
point . . . many latter-day writers have echoed Dr. Hen- 
shall's statement ... in some cases, word for word . . . 
with the result that their readers have been misguided in their 
selection of rods." 

And this is the way Mr. La Branche slurs at those 
who have had the audacity to believe the same way about 
fly-rods as does Dr. Henshall: 

"... many latter-day writers have echoed Dr. Henshall's 
statement. ..." 

83 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

It seems there have been many writers (for has not 
La Branche said so) who have agreed with the Doctor and 
some have even gone so far as to echo his views "word 
for word." Yet all, each and every mother's son of these 
''many latter-day writers" is wrong, because "either 
through lack of experience or lack of confidence in their 
own opinion ... if they ever had any on the point," 
they believed in the truth of what a learned, experienced 
and justly noted angler has said about "the proper func- 
tion of a rod." 

Of course it is possible, judging from the way Mr. La 
Branche writes, that even he and some of the "readers" he 
speaks of may have been "misguided," not by what these 
"latter-day writers" have written, but by the way their 
writings have been interpreted. 

It is also quite possible that they have paid more at- 
tention to fly-casting than fly-fishing, and their experience 
has been limited to few, not many kinds of trout waters 
and that the casting of a long line when fly-fishing was 
their pleasure. 

Seventh — "Is it wrong to assume that the advantage gained 
over the fish by using a rod which relieves the light gut leader of 
strain may be safely abandoned in favor of the rod which enables 
the angler to place his fly with more delicacy and precision, even 
though he risk a smash in hooking, or after, because of its stiff- 
ness?" 

To this question of Mr. La Branche's, I answer that 
in my judgment it is decidedly wrong to assume any such 
false hypothesis, for the following reasons : 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

The ultimate aim of fishing is to catch fish, indepen- 
dent of the method employed, whether it be by bait, troll- 
ing or fly-fishing. As I have already said, the catching of 
game fish on the fly, however, does not mean the killing 
of fish, as is usually the case with the two other methods. 
Anyone who claims that the object of fly-fishing is not to 
catch fish is not a fly fisherman. 

The act of placing a fly delicately and accurately de- 
pends more upon the skill of the angler than upon the 
kind of rod, assuredly such is the fact so far as the two 
mentioned rods are concerned. 

The degree of delicacy and accuracy required is de- 
termined first, by the method used, the wet or the dry, and, 
second, by the conditions under which the angler has to 
fish. For if an angler always fishes the same way for the 
different species of trout found in the many different kinds 
of fishable water he will have but little success, and could 
not properly be called a good fly fisherman. 

The Doctor's rod does not relieve the leader of "strain" 
in the way Mr. La Branche would seem to imply, it simply 
relieves it of "undue strain," thereby giving the angler a 
chance to display his skill instead of mere strength. 

If light gut leaders are smashed when striking a trout, 
or afterward, assuming that they are made from suitable 
high-grade material, it is because the angler is a poor fish- 
erman, or the rod does not suit the angler, or the rod is too 
powerful; and generally the smashing is due to the last- 
named cause. 

85 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

When a light gut leader is used, naturally it is for a 
purpose. If the leader is smashed when a trout is struck, 
it then follows either the leader was too light or the rod 
was too powerful, and that the angler was fishing with an 
unbalanced equipment for his ability, which is contrary 
to skilful fly-fishing. 

The angler who persists in the use of a rod which is so 
stiff or powerful that there is always a risk of smashing 
the leader, either in hooking or playing a fish, is not a fly- 
fisherman per se, but a fly-caster to whom the leader means 
nothing and the fine art of fly-fishing is unknown. 

The skilful and good fly fisherman is one who always 
has a well-balanced equipment, consisting of rod, reel, 
line, leader and fly, all of which go to make up a well-pro- 
portioned whole so far as strength and balance are con- 
cerned; but when the rod is so stiff or so powerful that it 
repeatedly breaks leaders, although it may be a "fine cast- 
ing one," it is out of place, and should be discarded, if fly- 
fishing, not fly-casting, is to be practiced. 

Take such a rod as Dr. Henshall describes, and take 
another rod such as Mr. La Branche mentions, use leaders 
of the same kind on each. Now, if the leader in each case 
does not break when a strike is made and a fish is well 
hooked, the greater advantage is gained by the stiffer or 
"more powerful" rod, and not by the more pliable one, 
because with the former the fish can be tired out and 
brought to the landing net very much quicker than with 
the latter. 

86 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

If Mr. La Branche had said that he preferred a stiff 
or powerful rod for fly-fishing, or that the proper rod in 
his opinion to use for dry-fly fishing was such a rod, owing 
to the great amount of work placed upon it when making 
many false casts between regular ones, no angler would 
take an exception for a moment, because it is unquestion- 
ably his right to fish as he pleases. 

But when he takes such an arrogant attitude as he does 
toward Dr. HenshalPs views about the fly-rod and its func- 
tion without differentiating as to the methods of fly-fish- 
ing, the fishable waters and the governing conditions, it 
seems to me, in all fairness, that one is more than war- 
ranted in making a strong protest. 

I am sorry to say that this same spirit seems to be in 
the blood of a number of fly-casters and dry-fly fishermen, 
but let us hope that in time they may, to some extent on ac- 
count of a fuller experience and a greater knowledge, be- 
come inoculated with "the milk of human kindness" and 
develop "the true angler's spirit." 



CHAPTER V 
FOR THE BEGINNER AT FLY-FISHING 

Much has been written about both methods of trout 
fly-fishing, the wet and the dry. Some has been good, 
more bad, and much not worth considering. On that ac- 
count, it is well to do some reasoning for yourself, apply- 
ing your own good common sense when reading many of 
the books and articles published upon the subject. 

To the beginner at trout fly-fishing, I suggest that he 
first learn to fish with the wet-fly. When he has become 
proficient with this method take up the dry-fly method of 
angling; thus he will find the art of fly-fishing less dis- 
couraging and more easily acquired. 

After both methods have been successfully practiced 
he will be able to derive all of the enjoyment possible out 
of angling, for he then can fly-fish at any time during the 
open season, using the method best suited to the waters 
he has the good fortune to fish. 

The act of casting, primarily, is mechanical; there- 
fore it follows that the more perfect the mechanism em- 
ployed the more perfect will be the results accomplished, 
provided the motive force is properly applied. The skill 
in casting is the ability to apply the motive force to the 

88 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

mechanism (the rod, line, leader and fly) in such a man- 
ner as to produce certain desired results, remembering that 
"like causes produce like effects." 

There are many kinds of anglers, but all anglers are 
by no means good fly fishermen, even though they may 
have had years of experience. 

It is on this account that many writers on the subject 
of fly-fishing have taken great delight in dividing the fly- 
fishing fraternity into a number of classes, such as the 
practical angler, the scientific angler, the theoretical 
angler, the good angler and the poor angler. 

This division into classes is indeed very interesting, 
inasmuch as it discloses the different points of view of the 
different writers ; but does much of all that is voiced about 
the classes lead to any logical conclusion that is at all 
convincing? 

Fly fishermen can be divided and subdivided into as 
many classes as there are fishermen, but what possible 
benefit will thus accrue to the beginner, who is looking 
for something tangible to aid him in the "Art of Fly- Fish- 
mg ? 

There are, as a matter of fact, just two real classes of 
fly fishermen, the good and the bad, which, in other words, 
means the successful and the unsuccessful fishermen. 

The successful angler is at one and the same time the 
practical, the scientific and good fly fisherman, while the 
unsuccessful angler is the theoretical, the thoughtless and 
the bad fly fisherman; the one has "fish sense," and the 
other has none at all. 

89 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

Success in fly-fishing means just one thing, and only 
one thing, and that is the angler's ability to catch, not 
needlessly kill, game fish with light tackle and the arti- 
ficial fly; and it really matters not at all to which class 
such an angler is said to belong by any writer on the sub- 
ject, including myself. 

The all-important point to consider is how the begin- 
ner can become a successful angler instead of an unsuc- 
cessful one. 

To every beginner in the art of fly-fishing, I say, that 
he can become a successful angler with patience and per- 
severance, provided he has or can develop what is termed 
"fish sense," and to a certain degree "mechanical sense," 
but in no other way. 

At the outset the beginner should be very careful to 
differentiate between the art of fly-fishing and the art of 
fly-casting, otherwise much will have to be unlearned be- 
fore the goal of the successful angler is attained. 

By this I do not wish to imply for a moment that good 
fly-casting is not a very important requirement in the art 
of fly-fishing, because it is of great importance, but I am 
desirous of impressing upon the beginner that the casting 
of the wet-fly is not all there is to this method of fly-fishing. 

Strange as it may seem to many beginners, the fact still 
remains that good tournament casters are seldom success- 
ful fly fishermen, and the very few who are only go to 
prove the rule. 

Samuel G. Camp, in his book entitled "The Fine Art 
of Fishing," says on pages 65 and 66 as follows: 

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TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

"The manner in which the flies are fished distinguishes the fly 
fisherman from the mere fly-caster, whether or no the fly-caster, as 
such, be expert or otherwise." 

Every beginner, first of all, should have the proper 
tools with which to work, then he should learn how to use 
them, and he should constantly observe and study the re- 
quirements and conditions incident to their use, as well 
as the habits of the fish. 

That the art of fly-fishing cannot be learned from any 
book is indeed true, but the scientific principles involved 
can be, provided they are clearly set forth, and they will 
be of exceptionable advantage to any beginner or even 
an old-timer, if fully understood. 

Every person who understands the scientific reasons 
for doing a given thing will, as a general rule, become 
more proficient in less time with less practice than one 
who does not understand them, and the results desired 
will be necessarily more quickly attained. 

Every successful fly fisherman is individual in his 
methods of fishing, yet the principles involved always re- 
main the same, irrespective of all methods. 

The principle is one thing, the results looked for by 
applying a principle are quite another thing, and the most 
important thing of all is the development of a method that 
will best apply the principle and at the same time be pro- 
ductive of good results. 

This, then, is where the individuality of the angler 
comes into play, and it is this feature which cannot be 
learned from books, because it is only by long or seem- 

9i 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

ingly long practice, that a successful method of applying 
the principle can be fully acquired. 

To become a successful angler one must be patient to a 
marked degree under many trying and disheartening cir- 
cumstances, such as broken tackle, snarled leaders, 
snapped-off flies, an overshot line, a leaky boat or canoe, 
the mistakes of a guide or companion, a ducking, the loss 
of a big fish, the utter indifference of the fish, and a thou- 
sand and one other "ills that flesh is heir to." 

Next to having patience one must have, or acquire, a 
phlegmatic temperament, because nervousness plays no 
part in the art of fly-fishing, as no great amount of suc- 
cess will ever fall to the lot of the nervous fisherman. 

For the beginner it may be well to state what consti- 
tutes a nervous fisherman. He is the fisherman, who, hav- 
ing had a rise and failing to strike and hook his fish, im- 
mediately and hurriedly casts again, with the usual result 
that he either gets his line or leader, or both, "hung up" 
on the backward or forward cast, if he is fishing on a 
stream, or he hammers the water with the line if he is fish- 
ing from a boat or canoe on still water. In each case the 
net result is no rise and no fish. 

Nerves are again shown by the stream fisherman, who, 
having cast over a likely pool two, three or four times with- 
out having a rise, starts for the next inviting pool to do the 
same thing over again. 

Then again nerves come to the front when from a 
boat or canoe the fisherman casts and gets a rise and fails 
to hook his fish, but just pricks him with the point of the 

92 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

hook. He then casts so quickly and with so little judg- 
ment that the fly or flies land on the water with a "dull 
sickening thud," or else the line strikes the water well in 
advance of the flies. 

It is indeed unfortunate that all lovers of the art of 
fly-fishing could not, within reason, be able to own a first- 
class fishing outfit. If such were the case much of the 
cheap and useless tackle would not be manufactured and 
placed upon the market to deceive unsuspecting begin- 
ners and others as each succeeding season comes around. 

It is possible to-day to obtain a very good fly-fishing 
equipment which is not very expensive, serviceable on 
brook, stream or lake and it consists of the following 
articles : 



Article 



Number 



Kind 



Cost 



Rod (i) 

Reel (i) 

Line ( i ) 

Leaders (6) 

Flies (36) 

Leader Box (1) 

Fly Book (1) 

Fly Box (1) 

Creel (1) 

Landing Net .... (1) 



Hexagonal, Split Bamboo $15.00 

Single-Action Click 3.50 

Tapered or Flat Enameled 4.25 

Silkworm Gut 2.50 

Snelled Hooks 4.50 

Copper-Nickeled 1.00 

Leather 2.00 

Copper-Nickeled 1.00 

Wicker or Canvas 1.50 

With Rubber Cord 1.50 



Total cost of equipment $3°-75 



It is mistaken economy to buy cheap tackle of any 
kind, and especially so for fly-fishing; first, because it 
costs the angler more in the long run than does high- 

93 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

grade tackle; second, because it is a source of constant 
annoyance and suspicion. 

On the other hand, I do not advise any beginner at 
the art of angling, even though he has plenty of money, 
to buy a fancy kit, because at best it is only a "pretty play- 
thing," but to confine himself to a good quality of tackle 
free from frills and made by reputable concerns. 

When about to purchase a fly-fishing equipment for 
the first time it is advisable to ask some good angler friend 
if he will help you in making the selection. 

Having obtained an equipment, then ask this same 
friend at some convenient time to show you how to set 
up the rod, reel, line, leader and flies and how to care 
for them. 

After you have become familiar with the equipment, 
again press your friend into service and ask him to take 
you out on some good fishable water and give you a few 
pointers and so start you on the right road. 

Fish as often as you can with and without your friend, 
and observe carefully the reasons for your success and 
lack of success, but never fish after you are tired, for if 
you do you will go backward and not forward in acquir- 
ing the art of fly-fishing. 

Do not allow yourself to get discouraged, remember 
that only by patience and perseverance can success be 
attained, and always take good care of your equipment, for 
one that is worth having is certainly worth receiving the 
best of care. 

94 







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03 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

How to Hold and Grip a Fly-Rod: 

The first thing a beginner has to learn about a fly-rod 
is how to hold and grip the handle, and so far as this fea- 
ture is concerned, it does not permit of any deviation from 
the set rule. 

The proper way to hold the rod is with the reel seat 
and line guides on the under side of the rod and the rod 
handle should be firmly grasped in the casting hand with 
the thumb straight out and resting on the handle. 

The reason for this is because the angler is given the 
greatest possible command over the rod under all condi- 
tions, such as, in casting, in fishing the flies and in play- 
ing the fish. 

With the thumb around the handle the ability of the 
angler to control the rod is materially lessened because 
the thumb then ceases to act as a brace. This fact is very 
apparent when the forward or backward cast is made ; so 
try it and find out for yourself whether or not the thumb 
really acts as a brace and a very efficient one at all times. 

How to "Set Up" a Fly-Rod: 

After taking the rod from its form or case, carefully 
wipe off, with a slightly oily rag, the metal end of the tip 
and middle joint, being sure not to leave any visible oil. 

Then, by holding both the tip and middle joint so that 
the line guides are on top, insert the metal end on the tip 
joint in the ferrule of the middle joint, being careful to 
see that the parts are well seated. 

Now go through the same operation with the middle 

95 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

and butt joint, and after this is done the rod is ready to be 
whipped backward and forward a few times as in the act 
of casting; then, if the joints are tight, proceed to attach 
the reel. 

How to Place the Reel on a Fly-Rod: 

There are two ways of placing the reel on a rod, one 
is to have the handle of the reel, when the rod is held for 
casting, on the right side. The other way is to have the 
handle of the reel on the left side. 

The first way is by far the better way to place the reel, 
notwithstanding the fact that some anglers prefer and use 
the second way. 

It is, however, something that must be determined by 
each angler for himself. 

If the first way is used, remember that the reel handle 
should always be placed so that it will point away from 
the angler's body to the side. If he is right-handed, then 
the handle should be to the right, if he is left-handed, then 
the handle should be to the left. 

The reasons for so placing the reel are threefold, first, 
tangling or catching of the line on the reel handle is 
avoided when the line is being cast, retrieved or paid-out ; 
second, it does away with turning the rod and trying to 
balance the reel on top of the rod handle, if for any rea- 
son the angler wishes to reel up the line or play a hooked 
fish on the reel ; third, the reel handle can be immediately 
and naturally put into commission by simply transferring 

96 




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TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

the rod from the right to the left hand, or vice versa if the 
angler is left-handed. 

Having securely fastened the reel in the reel seat of 
the rod the next thing to consider is the line. 

How to Handle the Line: 

Strip off about a yard or two of the line from the 
reel, being sure that it passes from the reel between the 
first and second cross bar. Now pass the end of the line 
through all of the guides on the rod, including the tip 
guide ring by stripping more line from the reel. 

After this is done, pull through the tip guide at least 
line enough to reach to the handle of the rod, otherwise 
the line will slip back through the guides and the work 
will all have to be done over again. 

Be very careful at all times not to step on the line or 
kink it, especially if the line is of an American make, for 
it will injure it by cracking or rubbing off the enameling. 

How to Attach the Leader to the Line: 

The next move is the attaching of the leader to the 
line, which can be done by one of a number of knots, all 
of them rather simple and effective. 

There are three knots in general use, known as the 
tiller-hitch knot, the closed tiller-hitch knot and the jam 
knot. 

The simplest and, at the same time, a most effective 
knot, as well as one much used, is the tiller-hitch knot. 

It can be tied very small and, in my experience, I have 

97 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

never known it to give way or come loose, but I have been 
told by a few anglers that they know of some cases where 
it has. They add, however, that they believe the fault 
was due to the way the knot was tied. 

This knot has one advantage over all the others, in this 
respect, that it can be easily and quickly untied or released 
by simply pulling on the short free end of the line. 

The closed tiller-hitch knot is a great favorite with 
many salmon fishermen, and it is used by some trout fish- 
ermen as well. This knot is made by first making the 
tiller-hitch knot with a slightly longer end of the line left 
free, this end is then passed through the loop of the knot 
and pulled tight and cut off. 

How the Flies are Attached to the Leader: 

Snelled flies are attached to a leader by the loop at 
the end of the snell and the loop on the leader by placing 
the snell loop over the leader loop and then passing the 
fly and the snell through the leader loop, the loops are 
then pulled tight. 

Eyed flies are attached to a leader without any loops, 
the straight end of the leader being passed through the 
eye of the fly and tied with a turle knot or a jam knot. 



98 



CHAPTER VI 

THE ROD, THE REEL, THE LINE, THE LEADER 

AND THE FLY 

The Rod: 

The best and most serviceable fly-rod, from every 
standpoint, is probably one made of split bamboo, and this 
seems to be almost the universal opinion of experienced 
anglers all over the world. 

The value of a split bamboo fly-rod depends upon the 
quality of bamboo cane out of which it is made and the 
workmanship that is put into its making. 

The strength and resilience of the rod depend upon 
the fineness and thickness of the enameling on the cane, 
together with the number of silk windings. 

A split bamboo rod should be made of six pieces, hex- 
agonal in cross-section, and when one is being selected its 
length and weight should depend, first, upon the angler's 
development and natural physical capabilities; second, 
upon the kind of water most generally to be fished, and, 
third, upon the amount of fishing to be done. 

A round rod is not as good nor as strong as one hex- 
agonal in form. This is necessarily the case, because to 
make a round rod some of the enameling has to be cut 

99 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

away, and this loss of material, which means loss of 
strength, cannot fully be made up by increasing the num- 
ber of silk windings. 

There is a natural curvature to each of the six cane 
strips of bamboo which go to make the finished hex- 
agonal rod, because the strips are cut from a bamboo stalk 
that is circular in form, but the degree of curvature is 
very slight as compared to the curvature of the six small 
strips when they are made into a round rod. 

In making a round rod each one of the separate strips 
is weakened in two places by cutting away the enameling 
to make the rod round. As there are six strips it follows 
there must be twelve weakened places, which are reduced 
to six in the finished rod, because the strips are all ce- 
mented together ; but the degree of weakness remains the 
same. 

Bamboo cane, other than the outside shell, which is 
the enameled part, absorbs moisture readily and rapidly, 
owing to its porous nature. For this reason a round rod 
requires considerably more attention to keep it in good 
condition than does the hexagonal one, on account of the 
weakening of the enameling, where it has been cut away. 

This is especially true when the round rod is used in 
rainy and damp weather, because if the varnishing is 
cracked or chipped off, moisture will work into the seams 
and deterioration of the rod will follow, unless it is very 
thoroughly wiped off, placed in a dry atmosphere and 
later properly revarnished. 

A round rod will also warp and twist and lose its re- 

ioo 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

silience much quicker than will an hexagonal rod even if 
equally well made in the first instance. 

The weakest points, in all rods, are the metal joints. 
On that account they should be of drawn tubing well made 
and snugly fitted. 

It is of the utmost importance that the male and fe- 
male parts of the joint seat securely; that is, the end of the 
male part when inserted in the female part should not only 
touch the end of the bamboo of the rod, but it should also 
enter far enough so that it will come up to the shoulder 
on the male part. 

If this is properly done the length of the metal joints 
can be materially shortened without detriment to the rod. 

All rods which are made proportionately flexible or 
bending from the tip to the handle of the butt joint are 
less liable to break at the joints because the strain exerted 
upon them is considerably less than is the case with rods 
having a stiff butt joint. 

A good hand-made split bamboo fly-rod, hexagonal 
in form, is worth a dozen so-called "equally as good" rods 
that are machine-made; first, because the quality of the 
material in the machine-made rod is lacking, and, second, 
because the workmanship is vastly inferior. 

The weight of a fly-rod depends largely upon its length, 
but there is always a sufficient leeway so that any angler 
can select a rod that is naturally well balanced for length 
and weight to suit his particular or peculiar requirements. 

The selection of a fly-rod is not to be lightly made; it 
is a matter, rather, that should be given careful thought if 

IOI 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

the purchaser expects to secure a rod that will prove even 
passably satisfactory. 

By all means avoid rods with fancy windings, and 
under no circumstances purchase a rod that has not a 
solid, well-made cork handle. 

When selecting a fly-rod let it be a hand-made one, 
either nine feet six inches or ten feet long, with bronze 
snake guides and a skeleton reel seat, and do not pay less 
than fifteen dollars for such a rod if you really want to 
get a good one. 

After selecting a rod you will find it will be worth 
many times the cost if you have an agate tip ring guide 
and an agate butt ring guide put upon the rod in place of 
the metal guides already there. 

This substitution of agate guides will make your line 
last longer and keep it in better condition, as well as make 
casting and the playing of a fish much easier, especially 
when a fish is lightly hooked or when fishing in the rain 
or when fishing on a fast running turbulent stream. 

Having once fished with these two agate guides on 
your rod you probably will never again have any other 
kind on rods used for fly-fishing. 

"The proof of the pudding is in the eating." 

Good hand-made fly-rods are usually carried in stock 
by a number of reputable tackle concerns in nearly all 
large cities; they range from eight feet and six inches to 
ten feet in length, and from three and one-half ounces to 
six and one-half ounces in weight. 

Fly-rods other than split bamboo are to be had, and 

1 02 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

are also carried in stock by the dealers. They are made of 
bethabara, lancewood and greenheart, and there are a 
number of different makes of steel rods on the market ; but 
I would not advise using any of them for fly-fishing, as my 
experience has convinced me of their inferiority to split 
bamboo. 

The chief reason for this opinion of these rods is based 
upon their inability to "stand up" under constant use and 
retain their shape and resilience. 

The relative length, weight and strength of hexagonal split bam- 
boo rods 

Length of Weight of Maximum Strain 

Rod in Rod in of Rod 

Feet Ounces in Pounds-Pull * 

sy %y 2 to 454 y 2 to y A 

9 2 s y& t0 4K J4 to #$ 

9 i y 2 4 to 5 y 2 to iy 

io 424 to 6y y to iy 

* Note — By Maximum Strain in Pounds-Pull is meant the 
dead weight which the rods will stand without injury in an emer- 
gency. 

The Reel: 

It has been often stated by writers on fly-fishing that 
the reel is the least important feature of the angler's equip- 
ment because its function is limited to the mere holding 
of the line; this, however, is not a correct nor true state- 
ment. 

The reel has two separate and distinct functions; one 

103 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

is to hold the line, the other to balance the rod and line; 
and while these two functions cannot well be compared 
as to their importance, the proper balance of the rod is a 
most essential element to be considered. 

There are many kinds of reels, but the only proper one 
for fly-fishing is the single action click reel, with or with- 
out the click release. As to the release it is for each angler 
to decide for himself whether he wishes it or not. 

All good tackle stores have many patterns and styles 
of such reels from which the angler may choose, and it is 
for him to select the kind that he likes best, provided al- 
ways that it is one, in size and weight, suitable for his rod. 

Too much pains cannot be taken in selecting the reel 
that will give to the rod that proper balance which enables 
the angler to cast for hours without experiencing fatigue 
or soreness of wrist. 

In selecting the proper reel for weight most beginners, 
as well as not a few experienced anglers, make the mis- 
take of choosing too light a reel, with the result that the 
proper balance of the rod is almost entirely lost. This 
loss of balance becomes apparent by the tiring of the 
wrist after casting for a comparatively short time, but the 
real cause of the trouble, however, is most generally over- 
looked. 

No absolutely set rule for securing the proper balance 
of the rod and reel can be given, because every angler 
has his own peculiarities with which to contend, due to 
physical conditions, such as strength of wrist, length of 
fingers and forearm and temperament. Therefore the 

104 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

angler must choose for himself the reel that seems to him 
to give the proper balance and then learn from experience 
if the combination of rod and reel selected is the right 
one, all things considered, for him to use. 

When selecting a reel for the first time it is really neces- 
sary, to obtain the best results, to fit the reel to the rod 
upon which it is to be used, otherwise it will be simply a 
case of "good luck" if any reasonable kind of a balance 
is obtained. 

Of late years there has been a growing tendency to use 
lighter rods than those formerly in vogue, and on this 
account reels have been selected that were altogether too 
light in weight to make a proper balance. 

For some reason or other the feeling seems to have 
taken hold of anglers that "a light rod necessarily should 
have a very light reel," and while a light rod should have 
a lighter reel than a heavy rod the idea has been carried 
too far, with a result most disappointing in many cases. 

The angler who is persistent and who likes to fish for 
many hours day after day, must soon learn the combina- 
tion of rod and reel that will give him the desired balance 
to prevent fatigue in his wrist, if he is to get all the pleasure 
out of fly-fishing. 

Having talked with many experienced and successful 
anglers as to the balance of rod and reel, and finding that 
their views were quite in accord with my own, I suggest 
to the beginner and others that they first start with the idea 
that the reel, without the line, should weigh at least one 
and one-half times more than the rod and let the basis be 

105 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

a 73/2-ounce reel for a 5-ounce rod. As the weight of rod 
decreases or increases some deviation must be allowed to 
meet the change in weight and the individual require- 
ments of the angler. 

Speaking of what weight of reel to use on Fly-Rods 
it is interesting to note what one writer has to say upon 
the subject. 

"Of course, always, the reel for a fly rod should be light, can- 
not well be too light, though it should be large enough to spool 
fifty yards of line." 

This statement that a reel to be used on a fly-rod 
"should be light, cannot well be too light," so long as it 
"be large enough to spool fifty yards of line," is funda- 
mentally wrong in principle, although in some cases it 
may suit the taste of a few anglers here and there. 

This must necessarily be the case from a scientific 
standpoint, because the greater the weight of the rod, line 
and leader forward of the casting hand, not balanced by 
the weight of the rod, reel and line back of the casting 
hand, the greater must be the strain placed upon the wrist 
of the caster. This is due to the fact that weight is added 
to the longer part of the rod which acts as a long lever 
with the hand as a fulcrum without sufficient weight back 
of the fulcrum point or hand to make a balance. 

If the reel used is as light or lighter than the rod, then 
the rod is unbalanced in increasing proportion as the 
reel used decreases in weight and moves the balance point 

106 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

toward the tip end of the rod and away from the handle 
end of the rod. 

From my experience and experiments with many dif- 
ferent makes of split bamboo fly-rods (I use no other 
kind), I have reached the conclusion, after many years, 
that the proper balance for any fly-rod can be very nearly 
obtained, as a general proposition, by using a reel which, 
without the line, weighs, as I have already stated, one and 
one-half times the weight of the rod, and this is irrespective 
of the length of the rod. 

It is well worth any angler's time to give this subject 
some little attention for the purpose of finding out if he 
has really as well balanced a rod as he ought to have if he 
does any amount of fly-fishing. 

As an experiment it is very interesting to learn what 
a vast difference the proper weight of reel makes in the 
handling of a rod without fatigue, and what a great dif- 
ference it makes in the casting of a fly. 

For instance, take a five-ounce rod and try casting, 
first with a reel that weighs four ounces, then with a reel 
that weighs five ounces (the weight of the rod) ; now 
follow with a reel that weighs six ounces and finally try 
a reel that weighs seven and one-half ounces or one and 
one-half times the weight of the rod. 

Having made this experiment, the chances are that 
you will never again use a reel that does not weigh more 
than the rod and probably you will elect to use a reel about 
the weight I have mentioned. 

The weight of reel suggested as the proper one to 

107 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

use, on first thought and before you have made any tests, 
may seem to be too heavy, because the combined weight 
of the rod, reel and line will amount fully to 13^2 ounces 
if the line is D or E size and forty yards in length. 

It may also strike the angler who has been in the habit 
of using a four-ounce, or possibly a lighter, reel on a 
five-ounce rod that the additional weight will tire the 
wrist and hand. Such, however, will be found not to be 
the case upon actual trial, because it is not the weight 
that causes the trouble, but the lack of balance due to 
the improper distribution of the weight. 

Tabulation Showing the Proper Weight of Reel to Use 
with Certain Weight and Length of Fly-Rods. 



Length 
of Rod 
in Feet 


Weight 

of Rod 

in Ounces. 


Weight 

of Reel 

in Ounces. 


Weight of 

Rod and Reel 

in Ounces. 


Size 

of 

Line. 


8'-6" 


3 

3^ 


4K 


7V2 


G 




F 


o'-o" 


3M 
4 


6 


10 


F 




F-E 


q'-6" 


4 

\Vl 
\% 
5 


6 

7M 


10 


F-E 

E-F 




E 
D 


io'-o" 


5 
6 


7Vs 
7 X A 
7 7 A 

9 


13H 
13M 
14 
is 


E 
E 
D 
D 
D 
D 





108 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

Average balance point from end of butt. 

For 8' 6" Rod 12^ inches. 

For 9' o" Rod 13 inches. 

For 9' 6" Rod 13^ inches. 

For 10' o" Rod 14^ inches. 



Actual Data About the Balance of Fly-Rods 

Maker of Rods, Dame, Stoddard Co., Boston, Mass. 
(High-Grade Fly-Rods, Chapman Pattern) 
Point of Balance with Different Reels 



Length of Rod . 



Weight of Rod. 



Weight of Reels, 
Ounces. 



3 

3 l A 
4 
4 l A 

5 

sy 2 

6 

6V2 
7 

7V 2 
8 

8M 



g}4 Feet. 



[ /2 Ounces. 



Balancing 
Point from 
End of Rod, 

Inches. 



i6V 8 



H 5 A 
13% 
13 
™% 

n 5 A 



9V2 Feet. 



43^ Ounces. 



Balancing 

Point from 

End of Rod, 

Inches. 



7 

4-Ys 



3Vs 



10 Feet. 



5 Ounces. 



Balancing 

Point from 

End of Rod, 

Inches. 



21 

20 



19X4 

15 

14K 
14 



10 Feet. 



5M Ounces. 



Balancing 

Point from 

End of Rod, 

Inches. 



22K 
2lK 



2 
8^ 

7^ 

M 
M 

4% 



Point of balance without reel from end of butt. 

Rod 9^ feet, 3^ ounces 29 inches. 

Rod 9^ feet, 43^ ounces 31^ inches. 

Rod 10 feet, 5 ounces 33^ inches. 

Rod 10 feet, 5% ounces 34^ inches. 

109 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



Actual Data About the Balance of Fly-Rods 

Maker of Rods, Thomas, Bangor, Maine 

(One of the very best Fly-Rods made) 

Point of Balance with Different Reels 



Length of Rod 


9 Feet. 


g% Feet. 


10 Feet. 


Weight of Rod 


2,}/2 Ounces. 


4 Ounces. 


5 Ounces. 


Weight of Reels, 
Ounces. 


Balancing 

Point from 

End of Rod, 

Inches. 


Balancing 

Point from 

End of Rod, 

Inches. 


Balancing 

Point from 

End of Rod, 

Inches. 


3 


17H 

I4K 

I3M 

I3M 


I8M 

17V8 

i6y 2 

14M 
hU 

13^ 

13 

I2 M 


22 


<Vo 


21 


4 


20 


AVo 


19 

18 


5 


t.y 2 


I7M 

iey 2 

IBV2 

HA 

hA 


6 

6Vo 


7 


yV 2 


8 





Point of balance without reel from end of butt. 

Rod 9 feet, 3^ ounces 31 inches. 

Rod $/2 feet, 4 ounces 31^ inches. 

Rod 10 feet, 5 ounces 34^ inches. 

The Line: 

There are many kinds of American and English-made 
fly-casting lines on the market. There is but one kind of 
line, however, to use for fly-fishing, and that is the silk 
enameled water-proofed line, and it may be either tapered 
or flat. 

no 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

The tapered line gets its name from the fact the line, 
for a distance of fifteen to twenty feet at one or both ends, 
grows smaller as the end of the line is approached. If 
only one end is tapered it is called a "single tapered line," 
if both ends are tapered it is known as a "double tapered 
line." 

The flat line is one that has the same size or diameter 
throughout its entire length. 

Mr. Henry P. Wells says: "Nothing in reference to 
fly-fishing can be answered with such ease and confidence 
as the question what line should be used. Unquestion- 
ably the enameled water-proofed line, and no other." 

There are six regular sizes of flat enameled lines and 
three regular sizes of tapered lines. 

Flat Lines Tapered Lines 

Largest C = No. i 

D = No. 2 T ^ „ 



Medium E 



F — No. 4 Smallest F 

G = No. 5 
Smallest H = No. 6 

The question, "Which is the better line to use, the 
tapered or flat?" is one upon which anglers differ, some 
preferring the tapered, while others just as strongly ad- 
vocate the flat line. To my mind, every angler must 
settle this question for himself, either by experience or 
otherwise. 

When "wet" fly-fishing I have found there is no 
choice, one being just about as good as the other, while 

in 





Line 


Size of Line 


often Used 


G or H 


G 


F or G 


F 


E or F 


E 


D or E 


E 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

when "dry" fly-fishing I prefer the tapered line and be- 
lieve it to be the better and only line to use. 

The size of line to use is governed largely by the 
length and weight of the rod, but no hard and fast rule 
can be established on account of the individual taste of 
the angler which, after all, is controlling. Generally 
speaking, the following flat lines and rods go well to- 
gether : 

Length of Rod Weight of Rod 

8'-6" lYz ozs. 

9'-o" 4 ozs. 

9'-6" \y 2 ozs. 

io'-o" 5 ozs. 

With an 8^2 and 9-foot rod use an F tapered line, with 
a 9^2-foot rod use an E tapered line, and with a 10-foot 
rod use a D tapered line. 

The Leader: 

The leader is the connecting link between the line and 
fly, and it is the weakest individual member of the fly 
fisherman's equipment. On this account, therefore, the 
selection of all kinds of leaders should receive the greatest 
possible consideration in order that only good ones may 
be obtained. 

Leaders are made of drawn and undrawn silkworm 
gut ; the gut comes in three general grades known as fine, 
regular and heavy, and these three grades are sometimes 

112 




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TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

subdivided into grades called extra fine, light regular and 
heavy regular, and extra heavy. 

As most good tackle stores carry a large assortment 
of many grades of leaders, running from three to nine 
feet in length, with loops for one, two, and three flies, de- 
pending upon the length, it is not difficult to find leaders 
from which to make selection. The strength of leaders 
varies according to the grade; fine leaders should have a 
strength of two to three pounds, medium leaders from 
three to four pounds, and heavy leaders from four to six 
pounds. 

Stock leaders can usually be obtained in white, mist, 
brown and black in color, but the mist color is the one 
most universally used, and these leaders can be either 
tapered or flat. 

When buying or making a leader remember that its 
extreme length is governed by the length of the rod to 
be used and on that account the longest leader should be 
one foot shorter than the rod. If the leader is any longer 
it is very liable to be pulled through the end tip guide of 
the rod when playing or landing a large fish and thus 
cause trouble. 

The strength of the leader to use depends upon the 
size trout you expect to catch and the kind of water you 
intend to fish ; as a starter, however, it is well to use a me- 
dium grade leader that will test to a four pounds dead pull 
when wet; you can then land any trout you hook so far 
as the strength of the leader is concerned. 

"3 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

There is a great difference of opinion as to what force, 
or pounds-pull, a trout can and does exert upon the fly-fish- 
ing equipment; and for that reason it is well to consider 
the subject at some length in order to arrive at a logical 
not speculative conclusion. 

Let us assume as a fair basis with which to start that 
trout weighing from one to ten pounds possess the ability 
to exert the same proportionate pounds-pull according 

to their weight that is a one-pound 

trout can exert a one-pound pull, a five-pound trout a five- 
pound pull and a ten-pound trout a ten-pound pull. 

From experiments made by Henry P. Wells and men- 
tioned in his book, entitled "Fly-Rods and Fly-Tackle," 
under the chapter on leaders, it would seem as if this as- 
sumption was reasonably correct as a rule, although in 
some instances a greater pull per pound of weight may 
be exerted. 

My own experience and experiments lead me to be- 
lieve that a trout can exert against a dead resistance a pull 
equal to at least its own weight in still water and a consid- 
erably greater pull in fast running water. 

It should be borne in mind that this is the pounds-pull 
that can be exerted by a trout when working against a 
dead resistance, not the pounds-pull that is exerted against 
a yielding resistance, such as when a trout is being played 
with the rod, line and leader, because the pounds-pull ex- 
erted by the trout at that time will be materially less, due to 
the spring of the rod. 

By a very simple and at the same time interesting ex- 

114 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

periment any angler can conclusively prove to his own sat- 
isfaction that there is really a vast difference in the pull 
of a trout against a yielding resistance and a dead resist- 
ance. 

Some time when a good-sized trout has been hooked 
and after it has been played for a short time in the usual 
manner, which represents a yielding resistance, straighten 
out the rod so that the pull of the trout will come directly 
upon the line, which, of course, is held fast so it cannot 
pay out, and you will then have the trout on a dead resist- 
ance against which it has to work. It will then be very 
apparent against which resistance the greater pull of 
the trout comes and why. 

If you should have the good fortune to hook a four- 
pound trout, unless you happen to have a very strong 
leader you will find it will give way or the hook will pull 
out when the trout is working against the dead resistance, 
while when working against the yielding resistance the 
trout can, under ordinary conditions, be safely landed. 

The moral then is, always keep the trout on the spring 
of the rod and make him fight against a yielding resist- 
ance if you wish to land him. 

The pull exerted by a trout against a yielding resist- 
ance varies greatly and is not at all proportionate to its 
weight, and this is largely due to the action of the trout 
when being played and held on the spring of the rod, and 
the way the trout is hooked and is also due to the manner 
in which the angler does the playing. 

My own experience is that a trout weighing from one 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

and a half to two and one-half pounds exerts, as a rule, 
a proportionately greater pull against a yielding resist- 
ance than does a trout weighing three pounds or more 
and that it requires as much skill, if not more, to play and 
land the former than the latter. 

I have come to the conclusion that, under the ordi- 
nary conditions encountered when fly-fishing, the greatest 
pull exerted in playing a trout, weighing up to seven 
pounds, does not exceed one to one and a quarter pounds 
and rarely does the pull exceed more than three-quarters 
of a pound. 

When making the statement that in my opinion a trout 
weighing from one to seven pounds does not exert a 
greater pull than one and one-quarter pounds, it must be 
understood that if the trout makes a sudden rush it is given 
line so as to offset the sudden exerted strain, which strain 
is double the strain exerted by a steady pull, otherwise the 
result will be very nearly the same as if the pull was ex- 
erted against a dead resistance. 

The experienced angler never allows a pull of one 
and one-quarter pounds to come on his rod unless he is 
obliged to "give the butt of the rod" to the fish to force 
it away from some dangerous place or snag. He gives 
the trout line as the pull increases beyond half a pound, 
which he can both feel and see by the bend of the rod. 

The question might well be asked, why is it then that 
leaders having a known strength of four pounds give 
way when big trout are hooked or are being played if 

116 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

the pull seldom exceeds one to one and one-quarter 
pounds? 

The answer is, that such a leader in the hands of a 
skilful angler should not give way because, if it does, it 
is on account of some error of judgment on his part or the 
trout has taken advantage of some snag. 

These errors of judgment are numerous, but the prin- 
cipal ones are, first, striking the trout too hard; second, 
not keeping the trout on the spring of the rod ; third, in not 
giving the trout line when it makes a sudden rush, and, 
fourth, in forcing and trying to land a trout too quickly. 

It is on this account that leaders should be the best 
procurable, that they should be tested each day before 
they are used, that they should be tested while being used, 
and that leaders, as soon as they become frayed, should 
be discarded as useless. 

Leaders are made from drawn and undrawn silk- 
worm gut, but generally from drawn gut, and sometimes 
they are made from both, especially for "dry" fly-fishing. 

Leaders are made either tapered or flat for "dry" fly- 
fishing and for "wet" fly-fishing when only one fly is used. 

"Wet" fly leaders having one or two loops are seldom 
made tapered, unless they are tied up by the angler him- 
self. 

Trout Leaders 

Grade — Fine, Medium, Heavy. 
Color — White, Mist, Brown. 
Length — 6 to 9 feet, tapered or flat. 
Strength — 2 to J, J to 4, 4 to 6 pounds. 

117 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

A tapered leader is usually made up of three different 
sizes of gut, while the flat leader is made up of one-size 
gut. 

Length of Rod Length of Leader 

8'-6" 7'-6" or 90" 

9/-0" 8'-o" or 96" 

9'-6" 8'-6" or 102" 

io'-o" 9'-o" or 108" 

The Fly: 

The question often asked, "What are the best flies to 
use?" is complex in the extreme, because so many con- 
ditions enter into a correct answer, if any approximately 
correct answer can be given. 

After fishing for many years with the "wet" fly, in my 
opinion, the success or failure of any fly depends pri- 
marily more upon the angler than upon the fly itself, be- 
cause the angler's method of playing the fly either upon 
or under the surface of the water is the all-important 
factor. 

The ability and individuality of the angler, therefore, 
determine, to a remarkable degree, the fly that will prove 
successful on different waters, as well as upon the same 
waters. 

For instance, take two experienced anglers when fish- 
ing the same pool (still or slow-running water), each 
angler using the same kind and size of fly, and let the fly 
be a Cow Dung. 

Angler A catches several trout, while Angler B 

118 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

catches none during the same period of time. Is this the 
fault of the fly or the angler? My experience leads me 
to believe the angler is at fault, not the fly. Now sup- 
pose we change the fly and have the anglers use a Par- 
machenee Bell. 

With the Parmachenee Bell angler B catches four 
trout to every one Angler A catches. Thus, with different 
flies different anglers have different results. 

This is not an assumed case, but one I have observed 
many times in different places, after suggesting the ex- 
periment be made. I account for the results obtained in 
this way : 

Angler A's manner of playing the fly when using the 
Cow Dung was more attractive to the trout than was the 
same fly as manipulated by Angler B. The converse of 
the proposition being the case when the Parmachenee Bell 
was substituted. 

Here were two entirely different flies handled by two 
better than average fly fishermen, each of whom, had he 
been fishing apart, would have declared that the other 
fellow's fly was not a taking one. Yet both flies proved 
successful in precisely the same place and under the same 
conditions, the only difference being the individuality of 
the anglers. 

Another uncertainty in selecting the most successful 
"taking flies" is the fact that trout do not always want or 
take the same flies every day, and often a fly that has been 
successful one season will, the very next season, prove to 
be a decided failure. 

119 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

Then again, weather, wind and water conditions also 
play an important part, as well as the time of day the fish- 
ing is done, the latter condition, in my judgment, how- 
ever, not as much so as has been generally supposed. 

Probably next to the ability of the angler to play the 
fly comes the ability of the angler to select for color the 
fly that is best adapted to the particular kind of day the 
fishing is done. 

How many flies, one, two or three, shall be used by the 
angler when fishing is a matter he must determine for 
himself. As this is a point about which anglers differ, 
and inasmuch as each angler can do as he pleases, it is of 
very little moment from the personal standpoint. 

Experience and the results attained are after all the real 
basis upon which all anglers must necessarily rely in de- 
termining this question of the number of flies to use. 

When I was a beginner at fly-fishing and for a num- 
ber of years afterward I used three flies, as was customary 
in those days. Later I used but two, and sometimes only 
one. For the past five or six years I have used one and 
two flies for lake fishing and some large streams, and one 
for all other kinds of water. 

Judging from my own experience and the experience 
of many angler friends I would suggest that the best suc- 
cess is to be attained by the use of not more than two flies 
at any time, and when fishing is very good by the use of a 
single fly. 

If you fish with one fly for salmon, one fly for bass 

1 20 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

and not over two flies for trout you can make no mistake 
and will have greater success in the long run. 

Buy nothing but the best grade of flies even though 
you have fewer in number. The few will last longer, give 
better satisfaction and do better work. 

Use either eyed or snelled flies as your fancy happens 
to be since one is about as good as the other as a general 
proposition so far as trout fishing is concerned. For the 
beginner, all things considered, the snelled fly is the bet- 
ter one for him to use, and the only kind all anglers who 
fish with more than one fly should employ. 

In "dry" fly-fishing the eyed fly is the only one to use 
if you wish to follow the "code" of the "purist" and be- 
come a "disciple." 

When selecting "snelled flies" make a practice of test- 
ing every snell, first, to see that it is securely fastened to 
the hook, and, second, to see that the gut of the snell is 
free from imperfections. This will save your feelings 
later on when you land "the big fish" instead of loosing 
him. 

That trout in different waters will at times take some 
flies more readily than others is certainly true ; but this is 
largely due to the fact that when trout are not feeding they 
insist upon having a fly cast to them that is especially in- 
viting. 

I have often noticed that beginners who have had the 
advantage of friendship and coaching of a successful 
angler after acquiring the rudiments of fly-fishing, nearly 

121 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

always fall into the habit of selecting for their own use 
the flies generally fished by their preceptor. 

This is not strange, yet it is not always the best plan 
to follow, because it has a tendency to restrict and not en- 
large those pleasures of angling which mean so much to 
the true sportsman. 



122 



CHAPTER VII 
THE HABITS OF TROUT 

It would indeed be a very wise and courageous man 
who would undertake to set forth in print, to any great 
extent, the habits of the wary trout, so I shall only attempt 
to set down such of them as I have had the good fortune 
to observe during my many years of stream and lake 
fishing. 

Although in most waters the principal feeding periods 
are between the hours of five and eight in the evening and 
from five to nine or ten in the morning it is undoubtedly 
true that trout at times, no matter where found, will feed 
at all hours of the day and night. 

This, as a rule, will apply to every day of the open 
season; but there are days when it is misty, or slightly 
rainy, overcast or cloud, with the sun obscured, that trout 
will apparently feed during the entire day and will con- 
stantly rise to the fly that is properly placed before them. 

Another time when trout are all-day feeders is after 
a hard rain, when the water is somewhat discolored or 
roily, and is rising in both lake and stream. Trout nat- 
urally feed at this time, because food is more plentiful, 
being washed down from the surrounding uplands and 
hills by the thousand and one rivulets formed by the rain. 

123 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

Usually this condition for feeding lasts for only a 
day, or at most for a day and a half, and when this period 
is over not a trout can be induced to rise to the most en- 
ticing fly cast by a master hand. 

As a general proposition, on ordinary days, clear or 
sun shining, fly-fishing is at its poorest during the middle 
of the day, or, say, from eleven in the morning until three 
in the afternoon. Although without doubt this is a true 
statement and one with which nearly all anglers will agree, 
nevertheless during these hours I have at times, both on 
streams and lakes, been fortunate enough to catch many 
trout, some running as large as three pounds. Such occa- 
sions, and they are few, are the exceptions that only go to 
prove the general rule that fly-fishing for trout in the 
middle of the day is of little use. An exception may pos- 
sibly be made for Brown Trout in shallow, clear streams 
when natural flies are abundant and the "dry"-fly is used. 

It also proves the truth of the statement that trout "at 
times feed at all hours of the day" and similar experience 
on moonlight nights has proved to me that they also feed 
as well at night. 

Of all fish the trout probably is more affected by its 
environment, so far as habits and coloration are con- 
cerned, than any other kind of fish. On this account we 
must expect to find the habits of trout largely governed 
by their habitat; that is, the trout of streams will differ in 
many respects, in their habits, from those found in lakes 
or still, deep water. 

All trout found in streams, however, do not have the 

124 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

same habits, because their habitat changes in every 
stream ; so much so that it is a very conservative statement 
to make that in streams (not small brooks), there are at 
least three well-defined and different habitats of trout 
which govern their habits as well as their coloration. 

These three environments are, the rapids, the shallows 
and the pools, and each one has a peculiar effect upon its 
inhabitants. 

The trout that live in streams have a decided advan- 
tage over all other trout in that they "live and have their 
being" in more aerated water than trout found in still 
water ; and this condition, as a rule, gives the stream trout 
more life, makes him more active, rising more snappily 
to the angler's fly, and striking in a readier fashion. 

In addition to the best kind of water in which to live, 
the stream trout have the finest trout food to live upon, 
consisting largely of flies, bugs and insects, and this is 
another reason why they show more agility, size for size, 
than do trout which live in lakes and still water. 

The stream trout which live in "The Rapids" repre- 
sent, without doubt, the nearest approach to perfection of 
all trout life, for it is in such places that nature has given 
the trout every opportunity for full development. 

Here it is the trout have to work hard for their food, 
when rising to the surface or forging ahead against the 
current of the stream; this keeps the trout in good con- 
dition and develops their agility to the utmost, making 
them "snappy" risers to the fly and hard and persistent 
fighters when hooked. 

125 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

Such trout are the hardest to play and land, but not 
to strike and hook, for being in fast running water they 
in many cases hook or help to hook themselves. 

The angler's ability is shown after the trout is hooked 
and "the fight" begins. And it is well for the angler to 
bear in mind the fact that trout as a general thing are 
loath to leave their habitat, knowing every snag in their 
domain. It behooves the angler to be alert and steady of 
nerve if he wishes to land his fish. 

Next in order we have the trout which live most of the 
time in "The Shallows." They are the trout that are prone 
to stay under the banks, on the lower side of rocks or boul- 
ders and near hassocks, waiting for their food, either on 
the surface or in the water, for which they dart when it 
comes within eyesight with the speed of an express train 
and with such accuracy that it seldom gets away. 

These trout, while game and "snappy" to a great de- 
gree, are not to be compared to their brothers of "The 
Rapids" in their agility and ability to put up such a grand 
struggle for life. And they do not so greatly tax the an- 
gler's strength of wrist and patience in handling them, in 
spite of the fact that they know all "the tricks of the trade," 
because their realm of action is more favorable to the 
angler. 

Now we come to "The Pools." It is in such places 
that we find the largest trout, not that large trout are not 
caught occasionally in "The Rapids" and "The Shal- 
lows," but it is here where the large trout "most do con- 

126 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

gregate," and where the angler of experience always looks 
to find them in number. 

These large trout are not great surface feeders. At 
all events, if they are, their feeding must be largely done 
at night, for it is seldom that they rise to the flies on the 
surface during the daytime. This is certainly the fact 
so far as the Brook Trout, the Salvelinus-fontinalis, is 
concerned; but with the Brown Trout, the Salmo-fario, 
it is different, for this trout will often rise to the flies on 
the surface at any time of the day or night. 

When large Brook Trout are persuaded to rise to the 
angler's fly they do so in a stately and dignified manner, 
and their very size when they turn to strike makes a swirl 
of such proportions as to thrill the heart of the most expe- 
rienced of anglers. 

Large trout are not quick strikers, and in order to 
hook these fish the angler must use great judgment in not 
striking too quickly, and yet he must not be a second too 
late or his opportunity will be lost, because it is seldom 
that these large trout can be induced to rise the second 
time the same day. 

Trout that live in "Still Water," such as lakes and 
ponds and large slow-running streams, do not put up such 
a brilliant fight when hooked as do trout that are caught 
in ordinary streams, owing to two important conditions, 
which are that the water is less aerated and of higher tem- 
perature than the water of ordinary streams. 

These two conditions alone have a marked tendency 
to make the large trout somewhat slower and the smaller 

127 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

trout less "snappy" when rising to the fly, especially dur- 
ing the months of July and August or the hottest period 
of the open season. 

In May, June and September the trout of "still 
water" are more active and rise most readily to the fly, 
and this is because the water at such times seldom reaches 
a temperature of over 40 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The Salvelinus-fontinalis (Brook Trout) and the 
Salmo-fario (Brown Trout) when found in lakes and 
ponds come nearer to having the same habits than when 
found in any other kind of water. 

Here both are to a great extent under-water or ground 
feeders. Necessarily so, because this is where the greatest 
supply of food is to be found, but they rise to flies because 
they are the choice morsels which their epicurean tastes 
most always crave. 

The natural food of trout consists of minnows, almost 
any kind of small fish, grubs, angle-worms, nearly all liv- 
ing things that they can swallow, found in water or on 
water bottoms and under banks ; flies, bugs and insects of 
many, but not all, kinds; and trout will also eat almost 
any kind of meat, vegetables and the leavings or scraps 
from the table. 

All trout when hungry are great foragers for food. 
They are insistent and persistent gourmands, yet at times 
they are epicures, satisfied only with the most dainty food, 
which in trout life consists of flies, bugs and insects. 

Trout are not fastidious feeders, except now and then, 
but they are always clean feeders, for they will not touch 

128 




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TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

any food that is tainted or foul at any time, whether or 
not it be alive or dead. 

The fact that trout are clean feeders establishes two 
other facts: namely, that their sense of smell is well de- 
veloped, and that all water in which trout can live is per- 
fectly safe for the angler to drink. 

As no two trout waters are alike, the habits and the 
habitats of the trout must also differ in many ways; the 
reader therefore must not take anything that I have said 
about them as applying absolutely to any particular trout 
water, my intention being to give only a general idea of 
trout habits and their environments under certain con- 
ditions. 

Many conditions other than the environment of trout 
have to do with their habits at different times in the sea- 
son and in the same place, such as weather, time of day, 
kind of day, the condition and temperature of the water. 

"No living man can say," writes a well-known angler, "when, 
upon unfamiliar waters, what fly will prove most alluring. The 
greater his experience the more tentative does he consider his first 
efforts." 

"Every stream has its own peculiarities not only as to the most 
successful fly, but as to the habits of its trout as well." 

My experience has been that trout, both in streams and 
lakes, rise most readily to the artificial fly when they have 
been and are feeding, and are nearly, if not quite, gorged. 

Why this should be the case I have never been able 
to determine satisfactorily; but that it is a fact I have no 

129 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

doubt, and this seems to be the belief of most experienced 
anglers who have fished many waters. 

This peculiarity of trout has been accounted for in 
several ways, but the theory that appeals most to me is, 
that the trout having filled their bellies with food they 
are attracted only by flies which are to their epicurean taste 
the proper morsel with which to "top off" their meal. Ad- 
vocates of this theory claim that the trout in this condition 
having eaten well are less keen of eyesight and can less 
readily or quickly differentiate between the real and the 
artificial fly, which would explain why they are such per- 
sistent risers under such conditions. 

It is not at all an uncommon thing to catch trout that 
have only partially swallowed a small fish and at other 
times to have them, while being played, disgorge one and 
sometimes two and even three good-sized minnows; so 
there seems at all events some good ground for the above 
theory. 

These gorged trout do not rise as rapidly and take the 
fly as quickly as those that have not fed as well, although 
when hooked they seem immediately to regain their nat- 
ural energy, "wake up," so to speak, and put up a fight 
that requires all the skill of the angler to overcome. 

Trout in this gorged condition are usually found in 
the pools of streams and lakes, although at times they are 
found elsewhere. A camp float or landing where the 
guides have been in the habit of throwing the refuse from 
the table is a likely spot. 

It is a well-known fact that to-day trout may be rising 

130 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

well, and this may also be true for the day following, but 
on the third day no trout are in evidence, and so far as 
indications go not a trout is in the section of the stream 
or lake you are fishing. 

At such times one will frequently hear anglers ex- 
claim, "There are no fish here!" or "Where in the devil 
have the trout gone? We were catching them here yes- 
terday." 

The wise angler, however, knows in most cases that 
the trout have not left their habitat, but are quietly rest- 
ing after feeding until nature again asserts itself in the 
form of hunger, when the trout will once more be in evi- 
dence much to the angler's delight. 

There is a condition that is found during September 
in the pools of lakes and streams, of large trout coming 
to the surface and "Rolling," not unlike the way a por- 
poise rolls ; but this condition is not often observed, except 
in the waters of the Rangeley region, where year after 
year in certain pools it occurs regularly. 

These are the Brook Trout (Salvelinus-fontinalis), and 
they indulge in this particular form of amusement to the 
great disgust of many an experienced angler, for at such 
times they will rarely take the fly, irrespective of whether 
or not it is a natural or an artificial one. 

These "Rolling" trout range in size from two to over 
eight pounds, and as it is close to the spawning season 
they are usually highly colored, the most marked colora- 
tion being on the smaller, not the larger fish. 

These large fish, at this time, will not take a fly that 

131 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

is on the surface of the water, therefore, in order to stand 
even a remote chance of making one rise to your fly, it 
must be fished from two to six inches below the surface. 

Why these trout indulge in "Rolling," and why they 
will not, save in exceptional instances, rise to an an- 
gler's fly has been and still is beyond the knowledge of 
most men, and I for one will not hazard an opinion. 

Although the habits of trout are peculiar, although 
they differ in every kind of trout water, although they 
change greatly under varying conditions in the same 
water, nevertheless I say to every angler, study well their 
habits, consider well what you observe and never get dis- 
couraged; apply such knowledge as you gain from expe- 
rience, for only by so doing will you get the greatest 
pleasure out of angling as well as the best sport. 



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CHAPTER VIII 
THE COLORATION OF TROUT 

In the matter of fly-fishing, anglers in the past have 
given little consideration to the subject of trout colora- 
tion, what causes it and how it is developed ; and this has 
been due probably to their not realizing that a knowledge 
of this subject, if properly applied, would add materially 
to their success. 

It is with the hope and desire that I can interest an- 
glers, at least to some extent, in the coloration of trout that 
I have written this chapter, because I know from many 
years of experience that a knowledge of this subject often 
spells success where a lack of it spells failure. 

The Charr, genus Salvelinus, has by nature greater 
coloration than the Trout, genus Salmo ; the differences in 
coloration, both in degree and character, are occasioned 
by the Charr having a greater variety and quantity of cer- 
tain dominant pigment colors than the Trout. 

There are four well-defined degrees of coloration. 
They are called dark, subdued, light and brilliant, and 
each degree as portrayed by the different species is pro- 
duced and developed by the same conditions and elements 
working in unison. The character of the coloration, how- 

i33 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

ever, depends upon the pigment colors found in each 
species. 

Of the genus Salvelinus, the Brook Trout (species 
fontinalis) represents the most remarkable development 
in coloration, showing more marked changes than any 
other species of Charr. 

And of the genus Salmo, the Rainbow Trout (species 
irideus), and the Golden Trout (species gilberti), prob- 
ably, everything considered, represent the greatest devel- 
opment and changes in coloration of all the species be- 
longing to the Salmo group. 

As the Brook Trout undoubtedly represents the most 
remarkable development of all trout coloration, it is the 
species I have selected to illustrate the four well-defined 
degrees, and I can assure my readers that they truthfully 
do so. 

Of Brook Trout coloration. William C. Harris says : 

"The coloration of this charr presents curious contrasts. Some 
become dark and dingy as they grow old and blind; others again 
have been found without red spots when living side by side with 
their congeners of brilliant ones; and others are born albinos. The 
cause of a uniform black or blackish coloration in fishes living in 
surface streams is due to the action of the nerves of the eye on the 
color glands, for when the fish become blind they always assume a 
dark coloration; when the nerve of the eye ceases to act, the color 
glands lose their motive powers. Through our eyes we receive 
perceptions of color, shades, or tints, which are transmitted to the 
brain; in fishes through the same medium, the nerve of the eye, 
these impressions act upon the color glands, and are of course in- 
voluntary and entirely beyond the control of the fish. 

"Upon dark-colored fishes living in cave-streams or under- 

134 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

ground lakes, a similar cause and like effect constantly exists ; the 
fish cannot see, for they live in perpetual night. Why trout are 
found in their native waters on which the glare of the sun or the 
subdued light of the forest gloom are constant conditions, the fish 
being without characteristic red spots, and now and then assum- 
ing the abnormal coloration of the albino, is a difficult matter to 
explain; it doubtless arises from the defective action of the nerve of 
the eye upon the color glands, or petals, which lie under the scales 
and which open and shut when under the influence of color tints 
conveyed to them through the delicate nerve of the eye; certain 
nerve fibres in such cases producing the red spots on the trout and 
the diseased condition of others resulting in albinos." 

It may be that Mr. Harris is quite correct in his con- 
clusions that the eye is the chief element or factor by which 
trout coloration is produced and likewise controlled. 

While my own investigations, experiments, experience 
and observations have led me to entirely different conclu- 
sions as to the causes of coloration in trout, I do not wish 
to be understood as saying that Mr. Harris is entirely 
wrong simply because our opinions differ. 

That the eye has some effect upon coloration is unques- 
tionably true, but to what extent it influences coloration 
and controls it, is the point upon which we differ. 

My study of trout coloration has been such as to make 
me believe that the eyesight of trout plays but little part in 
color development, except in the case of complete blind- 
ness, and then only in a secondary, not primary, sense. In 
nature it is most rare to find blind trout, and it certainly is 
not common to find them with impaired eyesight, although 

i35 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

occasionally trout are caught having only one good eye, 
the other one in some way having been injured or lost. 

As between normal eyesight and blindness, the two 
extreme conditions, coloration is indirectly influenced by 
sight, but as to the intermediate stages little or no effect is 
apparently produced as a general proposition ; at all events 
not as far as I am able to discover. 

The large majority of all trout have normal eyesight, 
some have one defective eye and a very few are afflicted 
with partial or complete blindness. Trout that are truly 
blind, however, are very short-lived, and specimens of 
such trout are difficult to obtain. They are very short- 
lived, because it is impossible for them to find sufficient 
food upon which to exist, and such fish do have dark 
coloration. 

The dark coloration, however, in my judgment, is not 
due to loss of sight or blindness, but to other causes, the 
controlling and primary one being light. 

The blind trout is an "under-surface" feeder, so much 
so, that it can be properly called a "ground feeder," locat- 
ing its limited supply of food very largely by the sense of 
smell. It follows, then, that the blind trout necessarily 
lives its short life in the deepest water of its habitat, and is 
poorly nourished. I have found that it is due to these con- 
ditions that blind trout take on a subdued or dark colora- 
tion and not to the loss of sight. 

Any abnormal coloration in trout is undoubtedly due 
to peculiar conditions in each individual case, and they 
come either from external or internal sources or both t 

136 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

which sources control the food and pigment supply and 
directly affect the action of the nerves, glands and pigment 
cells. As abnormal coloration in trout, irrespective of 
the species, is the great exception and not the rule, it would 
seem as if, when considering the subject of coloration, 
such conditions might fairly be eliminated as having little 
material bearing upon the general subject. 

The coloration of trout in the first instance, that is the 
characteristic coloring of each species and sub-species, 
depends upon the dominant pigment colors which are nat- 
ural to them. Under certain fixed conditions each sepa- 
rate and distinct species and sub-species of trout will de- 
velop to all practical purposes the same general colora- 
tion. While under the same conditions two different 
species or sub-species will develop entirely different 
coloration, and this is due to the quality and quantity of 
the different pigment colors natural to each. 

Change the water conditions and the coloration will 
change ; change the character of the food and the colora- 
tion will change; change the character of the water bot- 
tom or the degree and character of light and the coloration 
will change. In other words, a marked change in any one 
of the elements that produce and make effective the colora- 
tion of trout will change that coloration. 

One of the most marked illustrations of how col- 
oration changes is found in the so-called sea-run 
species of trout, such as the Steelhead and the Brook 
Trout. 

i37 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



Coloration of Trout 

The coloration of trout is due to a number of separate 
and distinct factors and elements, each one of which per- 
forms some special function. These factors are naturally 
divided into two classes — internal and external. 

Those which influence coloration from within the fish 
are called internal and those which influence coloration 
from without are called external. 



Internal Factors: 

Internal Elements: 
External Factors: 

External Elements: 



(i 

(2 

(3 
(i 

(2 

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(2 

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Position of the pigment cells. 
Activity of the pigment cells. 
Kind or character of food. 

The breeding season. 
The age of trout. 

Character of the water bottom. 
Kind or degree of light. 

Kind of day. 
Condition of the water. 
Season of the year. 



The coloration of trout is made possible by the pres- 
ence of innumerable pigment cells which are located at 
different depths of the skin and on or near the surface of 
the scales. 

These cells, due to their nature and position, are ren- 
dered extremely sensitive and therefore are susceptible to 
rapid changes which make effective the different pigment 
colors. 

The changes in coloration are caused by conditions 
which influence the activity of the pigment cells, thus in- 
creasing or decreasing the accumulation of the numerous 

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TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

pigment colors at their surface due to contraction or ex- 
pansion of the cells. 

Bearing of Factors Upon Each Other 

( i ) Position of the pigment cells. 

(2) Activity of the pigment cells: 

Character of the water bottom. 
Kind or degree of light. 
The breeding season. 
The age of trout. 

(3) Kind or character of food. 

(4) Character of the water bottom. 

(5) Kind or degree of light: 

Kind of day. 
Condition of the water. 
Season of the year. 



The Functions of the Five Factors 



Position of the pigment cells : 
{Internal factor) 



Activity of the pigment cells : 
{Internal factor) 



Kind or character of food: 
{Internal factor) 



The function of this factor is to 
make marked coloration possi- 
ble, which is due to the location 
of the pigment cells in the skin 
and on or near the surface of the 
scales. 

The function of this factor is to 
make the many and rapid 
changes of coloration take place 
and it is influenced by two ex- 
ternal factors and two internal 
elements. 

The function of this factor is to 
supply both the quality and 
quantity of the various pig- 
ments producing coloration. 

139 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



Character of the water bottom : 
{External factor) 



Kind or degree of light: 
{External factor) 



The function of this factor is ef- 
fectively and directly to influ- 
ence at all times the many 
changes of coloration that take 
place. 

The function of this factor is to 
control the coloration of trout 
through its influence upon the 
water and the water bottom. 



The position of the pigment cells is the factor in trout 
coloration which renders the cells sensitive and suscepti- 
ble to the influences which make it possible for the many 
changes in coloration to take place. 

The pigment cells are located in the skin and on or 
near the surface of the scales, and this holds true with all 
species and sub-species of trout wherever found. 

The number of pigment cells, their size and the kind 
of pigment colors, however, vary greatly with the differ- 
ent species which, in a large measure, accounts for their 
marked differences in coloration. 

The silvery and golden hues of coloration are made 
so very pronounced because the pigment colors producing 
them are contained in cells located on or near the surface 
of the scales and therefore are more easily and quickly 
influenced than are the skin cells. 

Bright, white sandy bottoms under bright light, with 
clear, shallow water, bring out to the greatest extent the 
silvery sheen on trout, while bright, yellowish sandy bot- 
toms under the same conditions of water and light bring 
out to the fullest extent the golden luster. 

140 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

The most vivid coloration of trout, on the other hand, 
is produced by the darker and more brilliant pigment col- 
ors which are contained in the cells located in the skin un- 
der the scales. 

The activity of the pigment cells is the factor which 
causes the many and rapid changes of coloration to take 
place. 

The character of the water bottom, 
The kind or degree of light, 
The breeding season, and, 
The age of trout, 

all play important parts in influencing activity by caus- 
ing expansion and contraction of the pigment cells, which 
in their turn increase or decrease the accumulation of 
the pigment colors in the cells. 

The pigment cells, so far as coloration is concerned, 
are rendered most active when subjected to the influences 
of a light water bottom, bright light, clear and shallow 
water; they are rendered least active when subjected to 
the influences of a dark water bottom, dull light, muddy 
and deep water. 

The activity of the pigment cells remains relatively the 
same as a general proposition throughout all seasons so 
far as the influence of these conditions alone is concerned. 

The activity of the pigment cells is still further influ- 
enced and intensified by the breeding season because it is 
during this period that the nervous system of trout is most 
sensitive. 

The age of trout also exerts some influence upon the 

141 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

activity of the pigment cells, but judging from my own 
investigations, probably less than any other single ele- 
ment. 

Mature trout have the best coloring; old trout the least 
coloring; and young trout vary greatly in their coloring 
but seldom, if ever, are they as highly colored as trout of 
mature age. 

The kind or character of food eaten by trout is the 
factor which is directly responsible for the quality and 
quantity of the pigment colors developed, and which pro- 
duces the marked coloration of the different species and 
sub-species. 

All species and sub-species of trout (genus Salmo and 
genus Salvelinus) have their own peculiar colorings, 
which are, as a rule, distinctive. Although conditions in- 
crease and diminish the colorings of each, their marked 
distinctive coloration nearly always remains the same. 

Nature in the first instance determines what the col- 
oring of each species of trout shall be by the placement of 
the pigment cells, their size and number, as well as the 
dominant pigment colors, which are to be developed both 
in quality and quantity. 

The effect upon coloration of the different kinds of 
food eaten by all species of trout seems to remain practi- 
cally the same : that is, shrimp and all Crustacea produce 
and develop light-colored pigments; flies and insects, sub- 
dued colored pigments; and worms, minnows and flesh 
foods of all kinds, dark and rich-colored pigments. 

But these different trout foods do not produce and de- 

142 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

velop the same pigment colors in all the different species 
of trout, for if such were the case there would be no such 
thing as any distinctive coloration of the various species 
of trout. 

The character of the water bottom is the factor, next 
to light, which is the one most directly responsible for the 
many changes that take place in the coloration of trout, 
and this is due to its direct and immediate influence upon 
the pigment cells. 

There are three well-defined and common water bot- 
toms which differ very markedly from each other. They 
are known as the light bottom, the neutral bottom, and the 
dark bottom. 

Although these different water bottoms exert different 
influences upon the coloration of trout under the same 
conditions of light, nevertheless the greatest effectiveness 
of the different water bottoms is increased or diminished 
primarily by the kind or degree of light which prevails. 

A light water bottom is one that is composed of sand 
or gravel, or both, and has a bright appearance ; a neutral 
water bottom is one that is composed of small rocks with 
a mixed soil or clay and has a subdued appearance which 
leans neither to light nor dark, being gray or leadeny in 
color ; a dark water bottom is one that is composed largely 
of mud or very dark soils and has a dark brown or black 
appearance. Large rocks or boulders are found on all 
kinds of water bottoms while water vegetation is found 
mostly on neutral and dark water bottoms, although in 

i43 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

some places light water bottoms have grass or weeds, but 
they are, as a rule, widely separated. 

Light water bottoms produce bright coloration. 
Neutral water bottoms produce subdued coloration. 
Dark water bottoms produce dark coloration. 

A light water bottom is always a light water bottom, 
and a dark water bottom is always a dark water bottom, but 
the effectiveness of each bottom depends upon these five 
conditions, i. e. : 

The kind or degree of light, 
The color of the water, 
The depth of the water, 
The temperature of the water, 
The season of the year. 

As white reflects and black absorbs color, it follows, 
therefore, that the brighter the light the more effective 
must become the light water bottom and the duller the 
light the more effective must become the dark water bot- 
tom. It also follows that a neutral water bottom is the 
one least affected by the different conditions and degree 
of light. 

The kind or degree of light, after all, is the factor 
which controls the coloration of trout and which makes it 
possible for the other factors to perform their respective 
functions. Because, if it were not for the fact that some 
degree of light exists nearly everywhere and at all times, 
trout, as well as all species of fish, would be without colora- 
tion, having simply a very dark appearance, such as is the 

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TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

case with fish that are found in caves where but little light 
ever enters. 

Therefore the effectiveness of light so far as kind or 
degree is concerned must necessarily depend upon three 
external elements : 

The kind of day, 

The condition of the water, 

The season of the year. 

The best or greatest coloration can only be produced 
when the highest degree of light is made most effective 
upon a light water bottom, and the poorest and least col- 
oration when the smallest degree of light is made ineffect- 
ive upon a dark water bottom. 

Between these two extremes we have the normal or av- 
erage coloration of trout except just before and during 
the breeding or spawning season. 

Bearing of Factors Upon Coloration 

Position of the Pigment Cells 
{Internal Factor) 

[Skin cells contain the dark pigment colors. 
° ' 1 Scale cells contain the light pigment colors. 



Activity of the Pigment Cells 
{Internal Factor) 



Character of the 

water bottom: 
{External factor) 

Kind or degree of 

light: 
{External factor) 



Light bottom, bright coloration. 
Neutral bottom, subdued coloration. 
Dark bottom, dark coloration. 

Bright light, bright coloration. 
Subdued light, subdued coloration. 
Dull light, dark coloration. 

145 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



Breeding season : 
(Internal element) 
Applying only to 
Light Bottoms : 



Light bottom, 
Bright light, 
Shallow water, 
Clear water, 
Light bottom, 
Subdued light, 
Medium water, 
Roily water, 
Light bottom, 
Dull light, 
Deep water, 
Muddy water, 



Highest coloration. 



Ordinary coloration. 



Poorest coloration. 



Age of trout : 
(Internal element) 



Mature trout, greatest coloration. 
Young trout, ordinary coloration. 
Old trout, least coloration. 



Foods : 



Light bottom : 
Neutral bottom: 
Dark bottom: 



Kind or character of food 
(Internal Factor) 

Shrimps and other Crustacea: Produce and develop 
bright pigment colors. 

Flies and Insects: Produce and develop subdued pig- 
ment colors. 

Worms, Minnows, etc. (all flesh foods) : Produce and 
develop dark and rich-toned pigment colors. 



Character of the water bottom 
(External Factor) 

Sandy, 

Bright coloration. 



Gravelly, 

Yellowish, 

Grayish, 

Rocky, with mixed soils, 

Muddy, 

Dark Brown, 

Black, 

146 



Subdued coloration. 
-Dark coloration. 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



Kind or degree of light 
(External Factor) 



Kind of day: 
(External element) 



Color: 



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Surface: - 



Depth. 



Temp. 



Season of the year: 
(External element) 



Clear day — Sunshine; bright light. 
Dull day — Haziness; subdued light. 
Dark day — Cloudiness ; dull light. 

Clear water — Good medium. 
Roily water — Fair medium. 
Muddy water — Poor medium. 

Calm — Best condition. 
Ripples — Fair condition. 
Waves — Poor condition. 

Shallow water — i to 4 feet; best condition. 
Medium water — 4 to 8 feet; good condition. 
Deep water — 8 to 16 feet; fair condition. 

Medium — 40°-55° ; good condition. 
Low — Under 40° ; fair condition. 
High — Over 55 ; poor condition. 

Late Spring, 
Summer, 
Early Fall, 

Late Fall, 
Early Spring, 

Winter — Poor season. 



Best season. 



►Fair season. 



A knowledge of trout coloration materially aids the 
fly-fishing angler in becoming a successful one. And be- 
sides this it gives him a constantly increasing sense of 
pleasure to apply this knowledge as it is gained and en- 
larged from season to season. 

It is from the coloration of trout that the observing 
angler can tell much about their movements at different 

H7 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

periods of the open season, such as where and when trout 
are most likely to be found and caught in the many dif- 
ferent kinds of trout waters. 

Although all species of trout vary greatly in their de- 
gree of coloration, nevertheless there are some marked 
color characteristics which the angler can take at the dif- 
ferent seasons of the year as a real basis from which to 
draw proper deductions of their movements. 

During the twelve months of the year trout can be 
said to have four well-defined general habitats which are 
governed by the different seasons and very effectively in- 
fluence their coloration. They are : 



The Winter Season Habitat: 



The Spring Season Habitat: 



The Summer Season Habitat: 



The Fall Season Habitat: 



November i to April i — A period 
of five months, when coloration is 
dark after the spawning season is 
over. 

April i to June 15 — A period of 
two and one-half months of dull or 
subdued coloration. 

June 15 to August 15 — A period of 
two months, when the coloration is 
bright. 

August 15 to November 1 — A 
period of two and one-half months 
when brilliant coloration prevails. 



It should be borne in mind that the duration of the dif- 
ferent periods as given varies somewhat in different locali- 
ties and different waters, but they are sufficiently accurate 

148 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

to enable the angler during the fishing season to draw, 
almost anywhere, proper deductions from the coloration 
as to where trout are likely to be found. 

The Winter Season Habitat: 

The winter season habitat, as a rule, is in the very 
deepest water of both lakes and streams where the bottom 
is dark, soft and muddy. Here it is that trout, found in 
fresh water, hibernate during the greater portion of the 
closed and cold season. They burrow in the soft muddy 
bottom to a greater or less extent and remain there for a 
considerable length of time. While this period lasts trout 
are not actually torpid, as some animals become during 
the cold months, but they are in seclusion or close quar- 
ters and eat but little food. 

It is these conditions, lasting as they do for several 
months, which produce the dark and poor coloration and 
render the pigment cells inactive and slow to resume their 
normal functions when a change in the season takes place. 

The Spring Season Habitat: 

The spring season habitat is in shallow and medium 
depth of water alongshore and on shoals and bars. It is 
in the early spring after the ice goes out of the streams 
and lakes and the sun begins to warm up the water that 
trout leave their winter quarters, move about and seek the 
shallow and warmest places. 

The angler should remember that at no other period of 

149 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

the year are the changes in trout coloration so sluggish 
and the time required for the changes to take place so 
long and uncertain as in the early spring. 

At this time, when trout are caught which have a dark 
coloration, the angler can correctly surmise that such fish 
have within a very few days worked out of deep water. 

On the other hand, if the trout have only a dull or sub- 
dued coloration he can correctly assume that such fish 
have been in shallow water for at least a week if not 
longer. 

But when quite bright colored trout are caught the 
angler can be certain that such trout have been in shallow 
water with a light bottom for some time, and that they 
have "finished their spring cleaning" by scouring them- 
selves on gravelly and sandy bottoms. 

In lakes and fairly still water of streams trout usually 
stay in or near the shallow water they first seek in the 
spring after coming out of deep water until they have fin- 
ished scouring themselves, when, as a rule, they will 
"school," move to other shallow places, and by the middle 
of June settle in some good feeding place for the summer 
habitat. 

The Summer Season Habitat: 

The summer season habitat is in medium and deep 
water, but not as deep water as the winter habitat. Dur- 
ing this season trout are not, as a general thing, willing 
risers to the real or artificial fly, except on some streams 
that are largely stocked with Brown Trout. This is be- 

150 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

cause the temperature of the shallow water is so high that 
trout seek the deep and cooler water and feed almost en- 
tirely upon under-surface food. 

Trout, however, can be caught during this season, but 
the angler must know when and where to cast his fly, and 
he must be, except on rare occasions, satisfied with only 
a few fish to his credit because the "proper time" to fish 
is very limited. 

During the summer period trout seem to be more shy 
than at any other time of the year, and I am satisfied that 
this is due to the fact that the brightest light then prevails 
and on this account shadows are more pronounced, prob- 
ably scaring trout more quickly than any other one con- 
dition. 

It follows, then, that the time to fish is in the very early 
morning or the late evening when the light is the poorest. 
And it is at such times that other conditions are more 
favorable; for instance, the temperature of the water is the 
lowest in the early morning and next lowest in the late 
evening. Then again, trout during the summer season 
will only go into shallow water to feed at places where the 
water is coolest. On this account it is necessary for the 
angler to select such a place to fish. 

It is also necessary that the place selected to fish in 
addition to having cool water be one where trout can find 
food. 

Therefore in order to catch trout in the summer season 
with any certainty the angler must fish when the light is 

151 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

poor, in water that is cool and in such places where trout 
can find food. 

There are just two such places in lakes and large 
streams and they are where brooks and small streams enter 
the larger body of water and at or near where springs are 
to be found. 

The angler who will fish in such places can, with pa- 
tience, usually catch trout, and sometimes those of fair 
size are to be taken late in the evening. 

As trout in lakes and still water always seek cool and 
aerated water in which to feed, especially on flies and 
insects, as night approaches, the angler will make no mis- 
take if he sticks to such places to the exclusion of all 
others while this period lasts. 

The Fall Season Habitat: 

The fall season habitat, except in extreme hot weather, 
is in medium and shallow water where there is a light or 
lightish bottom. It is during this period that the colora- 
tion of trout is at its best, and all of the conditions affect- 
ing coloration seem to unite in bringing about this result. 

The one best time for fly-fishing on both lakes and 
streams, everything considered, is during the month of 
September. Nature seems to have selected this month as 
the one of all others when trout of all species should be 
in the finest physical condition and have the most brilliant 
coloring, and this is probably due to the fact that it is just 
before the breeding season. 

Trout during the fall season, before spawning takes 

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TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

place, often travel from place to place in "schools" and 
in lakes and large streams there will be seen not inhe- 
rently a "school" of nothing but male trout and another 
"school" of nothing but female trout. But this separating 
of the males and females I have never observed except at 
this particular period. 

Remarks About Trout Food: 

While it is true that the food of trout is responsible 
for the different pigment colors developed, it does not 
follow that trout feeding exclusively on worms and min- 
nows when confined in water having a light bottom will 
be dark in color. Neither will trout that feed solely on 
shrimp when confined in water having a dark bottom be 
bright in color. But the food eaten in each case will affect 
the degree of coloration; that is, the different foods will 
tend to, and in most cases do, prevent the full effective- 
ness of the water bottom upon coloration. 

The Effect of Different Water Bottoms: 

The effect of the water bottom upon the coloration of 
trout under usual and ordinary conditions is most marked 
and rapid. During the entire open or fishing season, ex- 
cept the early part in the spring, changes in the coloration 
take place in a few hours, and under most conditions com- 
pletely so within twenty to thirty hours. 

Experiments have been made to ascertain the effect of 
the water bottom upon the coloration of trout and also for 

i53 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

the purpose of finding out in what time complete changes 
in coloration will take place when trout are confined over 
different water bottoms. 

For example : A small brook was screened in three dif- 
ferent places ; the separate sections were all about ten feet 
long, from three to four feet wide and about twenty to 
twenty-four inches deep. Section I had a bright, sandy 
and gravelly bottom ; section 2 had a neutral bottom with 
overhanging bushes ; section 3 had a dark, muddy bottom 
with slightly overhanging banks. Three Brook Trout 
(Salvelinus-fontinalis), all about ten inches long, were 
caught in a pool an eighth of a mile from the screened sec- 
tions, and were transferred to them, one trout being placed 
in each section. 

Within two hours these trout all began to change color 
and take on the coloration characteristic of the water bot- 
tom of their new habitat, and in twenty-four hours a com- 
plete change in coloration of the three trout had taken 
place. During the next twenty-four hours no further 
change was detected in any of the trout. 

Next, the bright trout in section 1 and the dark trout 
in section 3 were carefully netted, and each was placed 
in the other section with the result that a complete change 
in their coloration took place within the following 
twenty-four hours. The bright trout became dark and 
the dark trout became bright, but the trout in section 1 
changed quicker than the trout in section 3 by about two 
hours. 

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Then the trout in section 2 was placed in section 1 and 
became fully changed in coloration in fifteen hours. 

During this experiment no account was taken of the 
character of the food eaten by the trout, but as this test 
was made in August probably the food consisted largely 
of flies and insects. 

This test was made under natural conditions, but in 
order to go further and fully determine the effect of dif- 
ferent colored water bottoms upon the coloration of trout 
other and unnatural conditions were substituted. 

Three trout were taken, as in the other case, of about 
the same size, and placed in three glass tanks. One tank 
rested upon a black bottom, and the sides of the tank were 
covered with a dead black cloth. One tank rested upon a 
white bottom, and the sides of the tank were covered with 
a dead white cloth. One tank rested upon a yellowish or 
brownish-yellow bottom, and nothing was placed on the 
sides of the tank. The trout were fed on worms and liver. 
These tanks were in a room, and resting on large tables, 
and the curtains to the windows were pulled down. The 
ceiling of the room was of a drab color. 

These trout were handled the same as those in the 
brook experiment, and the results obtained were practi- 
cally identical, except that none of the different colora- 
tions were quite as pronounced, and it took thirty to forty 
hours for a complete change to take place. 

As illustrating the rapidity with which the coloration 
of trout will take place, I would say that I have on several 
occasions, early in the spring, while fishing small brooks 

iS5 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

in Massachusetts with worms, caught trout that were al- 
most as black as your shoe and without a single red spot 
showing. Such trout when dead or alive have, in five min- 
utes, while being suspended from a line, changed from the 
very dark color to a subdued color, having the bright red 
spots well defined. 

Again I say to anglers, give this subject of coloration 
some consideration. You will find it interesting. You 
will also find it a great help when fishing new waters, and 
on old waters it may make the difference between success 
and failure, especially at certain seasons of the year when 
fishing is allowed. 



156 



CHAPTER IX 
THE SIGHT AND HEARING OF TROUT 

To just what extent the eyesight of trout is developed 
has indeed been a much mooted question in the past and 
one that, as yet, can hardly be said to be fully and satis- 
factorily determined in the minds of all anglers. 

There are, however, many circumstances and condi- 
tions pertaining to the sight of trout which occur so fre- 
quently in all kinds of fishable waters that they certainly 
can be taken as a basis of logical reasoning as to whether 
or not trout are near-sighted or are keen-sighted, and can 
distinguish one color from another. 

From time to time for many years anglers have made 
experiments trying to oLtain, if possible, some definite 
information about the eyesight of trout. No real or sat- 
isfactory results, however, have been forthcoming as 
far as I can learn, and, to my mind, never can be from the 
very nature of the methods employed. 

In these experiments the eyesight of trout has been 
judged by and compared to the eyesight of the angler, and 
such conclusions as have been drawn from the data ob- 
tained must necessarily be erroneous on that account. 

The marked differences existing between the eye of 

i57 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

man and of trout are such that no comparison of them 
can be made which will at all aid in determining whether 
or not trout have keen sight and distinguish color or are 
near-sighted and cannot do so. 

A trout's eye is without eyelids. Its anterior surface 
(the cornea) is flat, or nearly so, and is covered with the 
skin of the head, which, over the surface of the eye, is 
transparent. The eye on this account can never be closed. 
How then can such an eye be properly compared to the 
human eye which has eyelids; a convex anterior surface 
and a much more tender skin or membrane covering, 
which is so sensitive that the sight is blurred and dimmed 
when submerged in water? 

The human eye was designed to perform the function 
of seeing objects through the medium of the atmosphere, 
while the eye of the trout was designed to perform the 
function of seeing objects through the denser medium of 
the water, and on that account each eye has "its own pe- 
culiar construction and consequent limitations of sight 
when subjected to unnatural conditions. 

After many years of study and observation of this sub- 
ject as an angler I can unreservedly say that all trout have, 
to my mind, keen vision and can distinguish and discrimi- 
nate between different colors. The extent of their vision 
and their ability to distinguish colors depend solely upon 
the kind of water in which they are«found, the position of 
the object to be seen, the kind of weather conditions and 
the season of the year. 

158 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

THE EYESIGHT OF TROUT 

For instance, in clear streams that are shallow and not 
too fast running, be they large or small, the eyesight of 
trout is at its best, and their vision is remarkably keen. On 
the other hand, in fast running streams, where necessarily 
the surface of the water is considerably fretted, also in 
deep streams which are fast running and in streams, be 
they shallow or deep, which are discolored or roily, the 
vision of trout is less effective, due entirely to these ad- 
verse conditions. 

Trout are only made less keen of vision when adverse 
conditions prevail over which they have no control, and 
this is equally true when the normal eyesight of mankind 
is considered. 

Changed conditions produce different results with 
every creature that lives and has eyesight. 

The angler cannot see as well and as clearly under 
water as he can when out of it, and it is undoubtedly as 
true that trout can see better in the water than when they 
are out of it. Therefore, it follows that each must have its 
natural element in order to obtain its normal and best 
vision. 

How often has the angler, walking along a small 
stream, seen trout lying under its banks or behind a boul- 
der or hassock ; but has it not been after his eye has become 
accustomed to looking through the water that he is able to 
see them? 

If the angler on the bank remains motionless and does 

i59 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

not cast a shadow on the water, how often is it the trout 
will observe him and dart away? 

This has not only been my experience but that of many 
anglers all over this country and every other country 
where trout are caught. 

Is it not then a fair deduction to make that the eye- 
sight of the angler and that of the trout are naturally less 
keen when the normal conditions are reversed, the angler 
looking through the water and the trout through the at- 
mosphere? And is it not the movement of the angler or 
the trout that first focuses the vision of each upon the 
other? 

We have been speaking of trout found in ordinary 
stream fishing. Now let us consider the trout found in 
lakes and large, deep and slow-running streams, and see 
what their eyesight is in such places. 

After the spawning season is over, trout gradually 
work down the smaller streams, from the head waters, 
where the breeding or spawning grounds mostly are lo- 
cated, to the deep waters of the larger streams and lakes, 
where they remain during the winter months. 

When the open season begins in the spring, and it 
varies in different States, the trout are just beginning to 
move about actively and seek the shallow water as the days 
grow warmer. 

It is at such time that the eyesight of these trout is the 
poorest and least keen, owing to the fact that they have 
been for a considerable length of time in deep, dark water 
under ice. This condition has had its effect upon the sight 

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TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

of the trout, as the eyes have become accustomed to a sub- 
dued light, which has made them slow to resume their nor- 
mal vision. At such times the angler should use flies of a 
much larger size than he would ordinarily use later in the 
season. For instance, where trout have been under ice 
for some time, flies tied on Number 4 and 6 hooks are the 
best size, and the ones most likely to prove successful, 
while flies tied on 8, 10 and 12 hooks will prove of little 
use. 

This condition lasts for from twenty to thirty days, 
depending somewhat upon local conditions, and how long 
the trout have been under the ice, also whether it is a warm 
or cold spring season. 

The eyesight of the trout grows nearer to normal each 
day (when the ice is gone) after the first two weeks, but in 
some waters they do not seem to regain their full normal 
vision until the last of June. This, however, is the excep- 
tion, not the rule. 

For years I have fished the trout waters of New York 
and the New England States early in the spring or just as 
soon as the open season for fishing has begun, and I have 
found these conditions I have mentioned to be the same 
year by year, so that personally I believe them to be a fact, 
not a fancy or theory. 

Each season for many years I have made it a practice 
to start fly-fishing with small flies, Numbers 10 and 12, 
such as I use later in the season, but never have I had any 
success with these flies on waters that have been ice-cov- 
ered for many weeks or on streams that have large, deep 

161 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

pools where the water moves slowly. After giving the 
small flies a fair "try out" of several hours, and in some 
cases whole days without having any success, I have then 
changed to the larger flies, Numbers 4 and 6, and almost 
immediately good results have followed on precisely the 
same waters. 

I have also at times reversed the order, using large flies 
first with success, then changing to small flies with no suc- 
cess at all, . . . not even a small trout to my credit. 

A circumstance which many anglers no doubt have ob- 
served, is a large trout chasing and trying to catch a small 
trout that has been hooked, and is being played by the 
angler. 

At such times the large trout is apparently very bold, 
and frequently comes to within three feet of the angler 
if he be wading a stream or within two feet of a boat or 
canoe, if he is fishing on a lake. This, however, does not 
prove anything about the eyesight of the trout other than 
the eyes of the trout were focused upon the small hooked 
fish and not upon the angler. And as proof of this state- 
ment I will say that if any angler, under either of the con- 
ditions cited, will simply move his left and free hand over 
the water about a foot the large trout will immediately and 
quickly make for deep water, indicating that up to that 
time the trout had not seen the angler. 

As some proof, at all events, that many trout are keen 
of vision, I will cite an instance that happened to me at 
Kennebago Lake, Maine, during the season of 1912. 

A large trout, weighing three and one-half pounds, 

162 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

saw my fly (a silver spot) light upon the water thirty feet 
away from where he was lying under a bank, and darted 
for it like a streak of lightning. And this performance 
was in plain sight. Certainly this trout had keen vision, 
otherwise how could it have seen the fly light upon the 
water at any such distance as thirty feet, and this particu- 
lar thirty feet was a measured distance made immediately 
after landing the trout. 

Judging from what many experienced anglers have 
to say upon this subject, as well as from what I have ob- 
served and experienced year by year, it seems reasonable 
to assume, at least so far as the angler is concerned, that 
trout really have keen eyesight, and that it is only made 
less keen by circumstances and conditions. 

Doctor James A. Henshall aptly says : 

"My opinion, founded upon numerous experiments, is that 
fishes see and hear as well, in and through the medium of the 
water, for all practical purposes, as the angler does through the 
medium of the atmosphere ; the clearer and more rarefied the me- 
dium, the clearer and greater the range of vision in both in- 
stances." 

Another authority, Mr. William C. Harris, says: 

"There is no question, however, as to the high development of 
the senses of sight, taste and hearing in the trout." 

As to whether or not trout can distinguish between 
different colors, I believe at this time but few anglers are 
of the opinion that they cannot. Anglers of wide expe- 
rience should know full well that trout can distinguish 

163 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

color as readily as they can the artificial from the real fly 
after it is taken, although an entirely different sense is 
brought into play. 

What would be the object of having the many bril- 
liantly colored flies in addition to the white as well as the 
black ones if the trout were color-blind ? 

Surely, if color played no part in fishing with the arti- 
ficial fly, there would hardly be any good and sufficient 
reason for the manufacturers of such flies making an as- 
sortment, in many instances, of over two hundred different 
patterns. 

If trout were color-blind then one fly would be just as 
good and just as successful as another, the question of size 
being the only one to consider, and anglers would only 
have to carry one pattern. But where will you find the 
angler who is content to have but one pattern or one par- 
ticular fly in his book when going trout fishing? 

I agree with Doctor James A. Henshall when he says: 

"It is often the case that those anglers who are most strenuous 
in their theory that fish are near-sighted, stultify themselves by 
carrying a large and most varied assortment of artificial flies, of 
all shapes and colors in order to meet the 'fastidious taste' of the 
fish, that often refuse one pattern or color and rise eagerly to an- 
other, which could not be the fact were they near-sighted, as they 
believe. 

"We can surmise that fish are not color-blind, otherwise there 
would be no reason for the beautiful colors that many male fishes 
assume during the breeding season. Fishes are possessed of keen 
vision, and possibly have the faculty of distinguishing colors in a 
fly, even when on a fretted surface, where to our eyes they are 
very indistinct, and where even the form cannot be well defined." 

164 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

After all, is not the question of normal eyesight of an- 
gler or trout one which is governed solely by conditions 
and their "viewpoint" through the natural medium of 
each? 



THE HEARING OF TROUT 

That trout have the sense of hearing, or, at all events, 
a sense that is an equivalent, and that it is fairly well de- 
veloped is probably true, but their manner or means of 
hearing is totally unlike that of mankind. 

Fish have an internal, but no external, ear, and it is 
remarkably delicate in construction. On this account 
sound reaches the ear of a trout through the water due to 
vibrations caused by concussion and the concussion is 
produced from jars or shocks, either upon or in the water 
and from the earth in close proximity. 

Scientists tell us that fish are incapable of hearing 
sound produced in the air, but to what extent this is really 
true is a question, in view of the number of instances that 
would tend to discredit this statement. 

Water as a medium of sound is very dense, while air, 
on the other hand, is not so, and the ear of a trout is fash- 
ioned to receive sound through this dense medium just as 
the human ear is fashioned to receive sound through the 
medium of the air, which is less dense. 

Therefore, it is a safe deduction to make that trout can 
hear better in the water than they can out of it, and that 

165 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

the human ear can hear much better out of the water than 
it can when in or under it. 

The reason being that both ears, so differently con- 
structed, were so constructed for a well-defined purpose ; 
namely, one for hearing sound in the water and the other 
for hearing sound in the air ; but the capacity for hearing 
possessed by the trout must not be judged entirely by the 
hearing possessed by mankind, for to do so would be mani- 
festly wrong. 

That trout can hear sound produced in the air within 
such distances of the water as the air will transmit the 
sound waves to the water and the water will in turn take 
up and carry them to the trout, is undoubtedly true, pro- 
vided always the trout is within the zone affected by the 
sound waves or vibrations produced in the water. 

The degree of sound transmitted, however, is another 
question which is necessarily governed by distance and the 
quality and quantity of sound produced in the first in- 
stance. 

From the practical standpoint of the angler it is a safe 
statement to make, that trout are not frightened or dis- 
turbed by, and do not hear, people talking when in a boat 
or walking along the bank of a stream, because the sound 
of the voice cannot possibly reach them, even if they are 
but a few feet from the water. 

This is due to the fact that the vibrations of the air, in 
the form of sound waves, are not so directed as to strike 
the surface of the water at such an angle as effectively to 

1 66 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

produce sound waves through the dense medium of the 
water. 

That trout can hear the human voice under certain 
conditions is quite true, such as when a person leans over 
the side of a boat and speaks sharply and quickly with the 
face parallel with the surface of the water, then trout, if 
within the sound-affected zone, will hear and become 
frightened and dart for deeper water. 

This is a forced condition and one seldom, if ever, en- 
countered by anglers, or any one else, for that matter. 

By what means sound is conveyed to the internal ear of 
the trout, I must confess I do not know, but I have a very 
strong leaning to the theory that sound is transmitted to 
the ear of the trout through the nerves that are united to 
the base of each scale which leads to a large ganglion, 
which is located on the forehead below the eyes, and which 
in turn is connected by nerves to the internal ear. 

At all events, I am fully satisfied that trout hear, and 
hear very well, under natural conditions, whatever the 
means are by which this is accomplished. 

This is what William C. Harris has to say: 

"This sense of hearing in all species of fish is a matter of con- 
cussion on the surface of the water. Sit motionless in a boat, and 
you may sing 'I Won't Go Home 'Til Morning,' or any other 
gala song, to the extreme high limit of your voices, and the trout 
or any other fish will remain undisturbed, but scratch your toe 
upon the bottom of the boat and, presto! the pool is as dead and 
barren as a burned prairie. Approach a pool from over the bank 
with a careless tread, and when you reach it the trout are gone, 
none know where. 

167 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

"Crawl to the pool noiselessly on all-fours and you will find 
your trout reposing without fear of danger. The avoidance of 
concussion is the great factor on a trout pool or stream in getting 
a satisfactory creel. Slide, rather than step, in wading, and your 
success will be greater." 



168 



CHAPTER X 
A FEW WORDS ABOUT CASTING THE FLY 

There are a number of different ways of casting the 
fly when fly-fishing. Some of the principal ones are the 

Overhead or Overhanded Cast, 

Underhand or Underhanded Cast, 

Wing or Horizontal Cast, and the Switch Cast. 

As the Overhead Cast and the Wing or Horizontal 
Cast are the ones most generally and effectively employed 
in this country no other casts will be considered. The 
principle of both of these casts is the same, the only differ- 
ence between them being that the Overhead Cast is made 
over the head of the angler as the name would at once sug- 
gest and the Wing Cast is made horizontally to the side 
of the angler. 

The Wing Cast or Horizontal Cast is used largely on 
streams when the Overhead Cast cannot be employed suc- 
cessfully owing to trees, bushes, high banks, large rocks, 
etc., being so situated as to make the cast unsafe because 
of the danger of getting the line hung up and the liability 
of breaking or injuring the rod. 

In fly-fishing the casting of a line, leader and fly con- 

169 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

sists of two separate and distinct movements called the 
"forward" and "backward" cast. 

The "backward" cast is made by a backward move- 
ment of the rod toward the caster and with sufficient force 
to send the line with the leader and fly straight out behind 
him. 

The "forward" cast is made after the "backward" cast 
has been completed by bringing the rod to the front of the 
caster with a wrist movement of sufficient force to carry 
the line, leader and fly forward of the caster such distance 
as the length of line will permit. 

The "forward" cast is the one that places the fly upon 
the water in front of the caster and the "backward" cast 
is the one that is made after the fly has been played by 
retrieving the fly with a backward movement of the rod, 
which makes another "forward" cast possible. 

The principle of casting involved in fly-fishing, and 
the physical elements that are brought into play in cast- 
ing, can be well illustrated by comparing the rod to a 
"balanced" railroad crossing gate. 

The fulcrum of the gate, that is, the pivot upon which 
the gate swings, represents the hand of the angler. The 
long arm of the gate represents the long or tip end of the 
rod, and the short arm of the gate represents the short or 
reel end of the rod. 

The fulcrum of the gate is a fixed point as should be 
the caster's hand, which is the fulcrum of the rod. 

The long and short ends of the rod, either side of the 
caster's hand, should balance when the tip of the rod is 

170 



DIAGRAM 1 
"T *! 




ANGLER. 'S 
HAND 



WATER LEVEL 



WATER LEVEL 



DIAGRAM 2 




ANGLER 3 
HAND 



WATER LEVEL 



WATER LEVEL 



DIAGRAMS SHOWING POSITION OF A ROD WHEN MAKING THE 
"FORWARD" AND "BACKWARD" CASTS 



DIAGRAM 1: 

Diagram i shows the position of the rod at the beginning of 
the "backward" cast, as indicated at A, and the position of the 
rod at the ending of the "backward" cast, as indicated at B. 

B also indicates the position of the rod at the beginning of 
the "forward" cast, and C indicates the position of the rod at the 
ending of the "forward" cast. 

A — C indicates the distance 30 (5.23 feet) that the rod is 
moved in the act of playing the wet-fly. 

The rod is shown straight in order that the beginner may real- 
ize what its position would be if it was stiff and had no flexibility. 



DIAGRAM 2: 

Diagram 2 also shows the position of the rod at the beginning 
and termination of the "backward" cast, and in addition the curva- 
ture which takes place in the rod. 

The tip of the rod travels from A to B, covering an arc of 
6o° (10.47 f eet ) , while the end of the butt joint only travels a 
distance of 4.5 (7.85 feet), the tip of the rod traveling the greater 
distance, owing to the spring of the tip and middle sections. 

When the "forward" cast is made the tip of the rod travels a 
distance of 90 (15.70 feet), while the butt joint only travels a 
distance of 80° f 13.96 feet). 



NOTE: 

Independent of the flexibility of the rod the positions A-B-C 
should be taken as the extreme ones when fly-fishing on lake or 
stream. 

As the beginner becomes familiar with his rod and his cast- 
ing improves he can, within reasonable limits, increase the dis- 
tance he plays the fly, which will also decrease the distance of his 
"backward" cast, and he may at times, with advantage, decrease 
the limit of his "forward" cast. 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

about 20 degrees above horizontal, thus bringing the butt 
of the rod about 20 degrees below horizontal. Such a bal- 
ance is obtained by having a reel of the proper weight. 

In order to cast efficiently and well it is absolutely 
necessary on the "forward" cast that the tip of the rod — 
irrespective of the height of the caster's hand from the 
water — shall not go below a point that is 15 degrees above 
a horizontal line established by the height of the casting 
hand. 

The reason for this is, that first, the fly cannot be prop- 
erly landed upon the water, and, second, there will be too 
much slack in the line which will handicap the angler in 
striking a fish. 

The maximum arc of a circle the tip of a fly-rod should 
describe when casting is 90 degrees and this arc begins 
15 degrees above a horizontal line and ends 15 degrees 
beyond a vertical line having the casting hand as a base. 

These 90 degrees represent the maximum distance the 
tip of the rod should travel in making a good cast, and this 
includes the bend of the rod which always takes place in 
the act of casting. 

The arc described by the ferrule end of the butt joint 
when making a cast, however, is only about 80 degrees, the 
difference between the arc of the tip and the arc of the butt 
joint, which is 10 degrees, represents the distance covered 
by the tip due to the bend of the rod. 

In other words, let it be assumed that the casting hand, 
whether the angler is in a boat or working a stream on 
foot, is four feet above the surface of the water. Let the 

171 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

hand holding the rod represent the height of a horizontal 
plane parallel to the surface of the water. At right angles 
to this line assume another line that is vertical to it, with 
its base at the caster's hand. These two lines are then sepa- 
rated by 90 degrees, and if each is 10 feet long, the length 
of the rod, then the arc described by the tip of the rod is 
very nearly 15.7 feet in length. 

This represents the maximum distance, under all con- 
ditions, the tip of the rod should travel when casting in 
order to make a respectable cast. The tip of the rod, how- 
ever, should not be brought to the horizontal line, but to a 
point 15 degrees above it, or a distance of very nearly 2 
feet and 6 inches from horizontal or 6 feet and 6 inches 
above the surface of the water. 

As all this applies to the "forward" cast we must now 
consider the "backward" cast, which, after all, is of far 
greater moment, because upon the proper execution of the 
"backward" cast depends the proficiency of the "forward" 
cast. 

The arc of the circle described when making the 
"backward" cast is much shorter than in the "forward" 
cast, and this is due to the playing of the fly after the "for- 
ward" cast is completed. The "backward" cast should 
begin when the fly has been played and retrieved so that 
the ferrule of the butt joint of the rod has reached a point 
of 50 degrees above horizontal or 40 degrees from ver- 
tical. From this point the rod is brought back with a 
quick, snappy motion of the wrist until the ferrule of the 
butt joint reaches a point 5 degrees beyond vertical, where 

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TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

the motion is stopped. In making the "backward" cast the 
ferrule of the butt joint describes an arc of 45 degrees; the 
tip of the rod, however, will travel further, owing to the 
spring of the rod, which is about 15 degrees, thus making 
the total travel of the tip about 60 degrees. 

When making the "backward" cast it should be borne 
in mind that there are two things which are to be avoided. 
One is, the fly should never touch the water and the other 
is, the fly should never be snapped. When the fly touches 
the water on the "backward" cast the "forward" cast can- 
not be as well executed because some control of the line is 
thereby lost. When the fly is snapped on the "backward" 
cast the strength of the snell or leader where attached to 
the fly is impaired, and if snapped several times the fly 
nearly always breaks off and is lost or it gives way when 
a fish is struck. 

A very important feature in fly-casting, if not the most 
important one, is to have control of the line at all times. 
The greater the control the angler has of the line the 
greater will be the results attained, and the better line will 
be cast under the many varying conditions encountered 
when fishing upon lake or stream. 

The beginner at fly-fishing, whether fishing the wet or 
the dry-fly, will soon learn what is meant by the "feel of the 
line" which should be constantly present under all condi- 
tions of fly-fishing. 

This sense when acquired, as a general thing, marks 
the turning point of the beginner for the better in learning 

i73 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

the art of casting and it is usually only a short time there- 
after before he can cast a "fair" line. 

The extent or degree of curvature which takes place 
in any rod, when casting, depends upon how much force 
is exerted in making the recovery and delivery of the fly 
(the "forward" and "backward" cast) and also upon the 
character of the rod. If it is a very flexible rod the curva- 
ture will be considerable, but the degree of curvature in 
any rod naturally is in proportion to the stiffness of the 
different joints. 

Remember always when casting that the line must 
straighten out and the fly must go just as far back of the 
angler on the "backward" cast as it goes in front of the 
angler on the "forward" cast, otherwise the fly will fall 
short and a bungling cast will be the result. Therefore, it 
is very essential to see that there is a sufficiently large and 
clear space behind for the "backward" cast to be properly 
made, and this should be done before the angler begins 
casting. 

The natural or trained ability of the angler determines, 
almost, if not entirely, the distance he can cast ; but in wet- 
fly fishing the mere question of distance or length of cast is 
of little real importance. 

Under no circumstances should an angler cast a line 
such a distance that it is left slack after the fly touches the 
water, except in dry-fly fishing, for when such is the case 
the ability to strike a rising fish is materially lessened. 

In fly-fishing there is what is called the "short cast," the 
"medium cast" and the "long cast" and under ordinary 

i74 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

conditions found on all kinds of fishable trout waters these 
relative casts remain the same. 

A "short cast" is from 20 to 30 feet. 
A "medium cast" is from 30 to 40 feet. 
A "long cast" is from 40 to 50 feet. 

Anything over 50 feet is a "very long cast," but such 
casts are seldom attempted by experienced wet-fly fisher- 
men, because they realize they are of little use. 

When casting the dry-fly there is but one requirement 
other than accuracy, and that is the landing of the fly 
upon the water as gently and delicately as possible with 
the fly "cocked," because the movement of the fly should 
depend entirely upon the current of the stream. 

This is not, however, the case when casting the wet-fly 
so far as having the fly always fall upon the water lightly, 
because the angler fishes the fly instead of depending upon 
the current doing so, but the cast should not be poorly 
made on that account. 

When fishing the wet-fly in still water for trout, such as 
is found in large pools of lakes or certain pools of large 
streams, extreme lightness or delicacy in the landing of the 
fly upon the water is not essential for success if one is fish- 
ing for big trout. 

As a matter of fact, if big fish are what the angler is 
after, it is a decided mistake to cast a very light fly on a 
pool if he expects to be successful in making them rise. 

For many years I have noticed when fishing various 
pools, under the conditions named, big fish are seldom 

i7S 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

made to rise to a fly that is cast so as to land like a zephyr, 
because, before any big trout, which is usually lying near 
the bottom of the pool, can get to the fly, even if he sees it, 
the fly has been taken by one of the smaller fish near the 
top of the water. 

In all large pools there are, as a general rule, trout that 
vary greatly in size from small to very large, and they ar- 
range themselves in the water of the pool, as to depth, ac- 
cording to their size. 

The big trout are almost always to be found at the bot- 
tom of the pool and the size of the trout decreases as the 
depth of water decreases, consequently the smaller trout 
are found to be near the top of the water. 

And it is on this account I make the above statement, 
having proved such to be the fact from long experience 
and careful observation. 

This same condition, however, does not often exist in 
fast-running streams where the water naturally is more 
aerated and the trout on that account distribute themselves 
differently, hence in such places the fly should be cast more 
lightly. 

The experienced angler endowed with "fish sense" can 
generally determine when unusual conditions in "big 
pools" make it wise for him to deviate from his customary 
practice and fish the fly more lightly. 

A knowledge of abnormal conditions is generally the 
result of close observation and wide experience, and no 
definite rules for attaining it are possible. 

In running water trout always head toward the cur- 

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TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

rent or up stream, except when going with the current 
down stream. 

All trout have a wide range of vision due to the posi- 
tion of the eyes in the head and the way they are set. The 
range covers very nearly, if not quite, 300 degrees of a 
circle, with the greatest vision to the front and sides and 
the least and none at all directly to the rear. 

It is on account of the wide range of vision in trout, 
together with the fact that they always head up stream or 
toward the current that dry-fly advocates and some wet- 
fly anglers have insisted that the proper way was to cast 
"up stream" whenever it was possible to do so. 

My experience leads me to believe that no hard and 
fast rule can be made and observed with success as to the 
direction a wet-fly should be cast when fly-fishing. There 
are too many circumstances and conditions which have 
to be taken into account to say absolutely that a wet-fly 
should always be cast "up stream," or even say, as a gen- 
eral proposition, it should be so cast. 

On the other hand, the very nature of dry-fly fishing is 
such as to make "up-stream casting," as a rule, "the proper 
and generally accepted way" that it should be done. 

As it is the current of the stream and not the angler 
that "fishes the dry-fly," it is at once apparent why "up- 
stream" casting gives to this method of fly-fishing its 
greatest opportunity for success due to the longer travel 
of the fly upon the water in the direction the trout are 
heading. 

The wet-fly angler who fishes by rule seldom if ever 

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TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

meets with much success because it is the "rule" and not 
the "science of the game" which claims his attention and 
consequently he loses much of the real "sport of an- 
gling." 

If the wet-fly angler, like the dry-fly advocate, feels 
that he must fish by rule, let him make his "little book" 
from knowledge gained by personal experience, observa- 
tion and study of the many conditions that are encountered 
both on lake and stream as well as the "ways and means" 
employed by successful wet-fly fishermen. 

If he will observe this suggestion I feel quite certain 
that his "little book" of rules will never be fully written 
and that he will become a good and successful wet-fly an- 
gler without having any set rules to hamper him. 



178 



CHAPTER XI 
HOW TO FISH THE WET-FLY 

As has already been said the playing of the fly is the 
most important element in wet-fly fishing. The fly can be 
played either upon the surface, just below the surface, or 
in the water to a depth of four to eight inches, and under 
certain conditions, even to a greater depth, with success. 

The fly or flies should not, however, be fished so deep 
in the water that the swirl of the trout, which takes place 
immediately before the strike occurs, cannot be seen, for 
if the angler, when fishing the deep fly, waits until he feels 
the trout before striking, he will almost invariably fail to 
hook his fish, because the trout can expel the fly from its 
mouth much quicker than the angler can strike and set the 
hook. The reason for this is, the trout has but a very short 
distance to move the fly to get rid of it, and he can do it so 
quickly and forcibly that the angler, in striking, cannot 
hope to move his wrist, rod, line, leader and fly as quickly, 
not to mention taking up such slack as there may be in the 
line at the time of striking. 

In ninety-five per cent, of such cases the trout has ex- 
pelled the fly before the angler can act after he is aware of 
the fact, from the feel, that a strike has occurred. There- 

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TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

fore, on both stream and lake, when fishing the wet-fly, 
strike when the swirl takes place and under no circum- 
stances wait until you feel the trout if you wish to hook 
your fish. 

The object in fishing the fly is to attract and make trout 
rise to it. It then follows that it should be done in such a 
manner as to deceive and make them believe your arti- 
ficial fly is something good to eat. 

Whether or not trout take artificial wet-flies because 
they believe them to be natural flies no one can positively 
know as a fact. The very best the angler can do in this 
direction is to make deductions logically from what he has 
observed during his experience. 

The fly should never be played against the current of 
a stream, and when cast "up," "across" or "down" stream 
the angler should guard against fishing the fly by jumps as 
if it were hurdling the ripples. 

The best way is to cast slightly "up and across" the 
stream allowing the current to carry the fly down the 
stream while the angler plays the fly diagonally across 
the stream. Keep the fly on or just under the surface of 
the water in most cases and always make a recovery for 
another cast just before the fly comes to a full stop due to 
the straightening of the line. 

In some large pools through which there is a swift or 
rather swift current, with slow and still water on the sides, 
the best success is attained by fishing the fly on either side 
of the swift current, for it is there the large trout are gen- 
erally to be found. 

1 80 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

Always, and by this I mean there is no exception, the 
fly should be allowed to remain on the water after the cast 
is made for a perceptible length of time before it is played 
by the angler. The perceptible time should be of longer 
duration when fishing still water than when fishing fast 
water in streams, because the trout that are to be attracted 
by the fly are, in most cases, lying still or slowly moving 
in deep water. 

In stream fishing it is a mistake to fish with more than 
one fly while in lake and still-water fishing two flies can 
often be used to advantage. 

When two flies are used it is well so to play the flies 
that the dropper fly will touch the water occasionally and 
when it does let it rest for a second or so before retrieving 
it further. The tail fly will then be fished about one to 
two inches below the surface of the water. 

At no time should the fly or flies be played quickly on 
or through the water, because the trout should be given 
time to see and be attracted by them, which will not be the 
case if they are played rapidly. 

When the fly is played on the surface, or nearly so, it 
can be done to advantage by the straight backward move- 
ment of the rod, but when it is played four or more inches 
below the surface it is better to play it with a side and up- 
ward movement of the rod, which throws the broad side 
of the fly to the trout, making it easier for the trout to see, 
and its action more like a drowned or injured real fly. 

When the water is calm, without a semblance of any 
kind of a ripple, I have found the best success to be ob- 

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TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

tained by fishing the fly below the surface of the water 
from four to six inches. It is seldom at such times that 
trout are surface feeders, and on that account a surface 
fly does not seem to have any attraction for them. 

A fly under the surface, played broad side to the trout, 
often causes them to rise. Why this is the case I am unable 
to say, except possibly the trout think they can get the fly 
with less than the ordinary exertion. 

Remember that the greatest skill is shown by the angler 
who persuades the trout to rise to his fly when they are 
not feeding, and it is then he experiences the greatest pleas- 
ure and satisfaction if success rewards him. 

The saying, "Oh! He is a lucky fisherman!" is one 
that beginners as well as old-stagers at fly-fishing would 
do well to discount as having no meaning nor significance 
for, after all, SUCCESS in fly-fishing is not a question of 
luck. It is rather the result of judgment and knowledge 
in knowing how to select the proper fly for the particular 
occasion and then knowing how to place and play it so as 
to make it prove most attractive as well as acceptable to 
the trout. 

At times, when trout are rising to food on the surface 
of the water, it is a very good plan to make several false 
casts over the water where they appear, letting your fly 
come to within an inch or two of the water at each cast and 
finally landing it quietly on the surface and playing it 
very slowly. 



182 



CHAPTER XII 
HOW AND WHEN TO STRIKE TROUT 

Experience is by far the best teacher in learning how 
and when to strike a trout that rises to your fly because the 
personal equation of knowledge is, after all, the real con- 
trolling factor which spells success. 

Nevertheless a few remarks about this subject may not 
go amiss in giving a general idea of why certain features 
should be carefully taken into consideration as to how 
and when to strike the rising trout. 

When speaking about the striking of trout the two ex- 
treme conditions encountered in fly-fishing are probably 
best stated by saying that one is stream fishing and the 
other lake or still-water fishing. 

Trout in one respect are like people, in that their move- 
ments and habits are to a great extent governed by their 
weight, their size and often by their age. 

Of the several species of trout it can well be said that 
the natural peculiarities of each resemble to quite a 
marked degree the characteristics of some of the different 
nationalities of the world. 

Although there are marked differences between the 
various trout species, yet they all have certain character- 

183 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

istics in common so far as their movements are concerned, 
and these should be carefully observed. 

The small trout is generally very quick and rather 
headstrong in its movements, lacking all judgment, and 
is not unlike the small-sized youth. 

The medium-sized trout, while undoubtedly quick in 
many of its movements, is decidedly less impetuous in ac- 
tion and has some idea of what he is doing, more like a 
middle-aged man. 

The big trout, on the other hand, is deliberate and com- 
paratively slow in its movements, usually acting with con- 
siderable judgment and much caution and resembles more 
the strong, healthy, elderly man. 

It is on account of just these marked differences in 
trout that it is necessary to study "how and when to strike" 
in order to be able to hook and land them. 

Then it is necessary to have some knowledge of the 
kind and size of trout that are usually caught in the waters 
where you are fishing. 

It also makes a great difference in many waters, as 
well as the time of season the fishing is done, whether the 
angler should strike very quickly or with a moderate de- 
gree of speed or with what might be called a "slow" 
strike. 

The clearness of the water also has much to do with 
determining just how the strike should be made. For in- 
stance, with a quick, snappy rise in clear water the angler 
can hardly strike too quickly, while on the other hand, 
when fishing the same water, if it is roily, the strike should 

184 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

be less quick because the rise would not be the same. In 
a general way it can be said : 

In clear water and snappy rise, strike very quick; 
in roily water and ordinary rise, strike quick, in clear or 
roily water and slow deliberate rise, strike slow. 

When fishing a lake in the spring more fish will be 
hooked by striking deliberately and slow, irrespective of 
their size, for at that time they are cold and much less ac- 
tive than in the later months of the season. 

This does not apply, as a rule, to stream fishing, be- 
cause the trout are in more aerated water and are more 
active, but this fishing comes a little earlier than lake 
fishing. 

In the spring, whether fishing on lake or stream, more 
success will be had by using larger flies than those gen- 
erally used in August and September, because the eye- 
sight of the trout is not then so keen. 

The amount of force that should be used when strik- 
ing a trout is something that each angler has to find out 
for himself and it is one of the features of fly-fishing that 
determines to a large extent whether the angler is a good 
or poor fly fisherman. 

It is probably true that more anglers strike too hard 
rather than not hard enough and that more fish are lost 
for this same reason than any other. 

So many different things govern the ability of an an- 
gler to strike trout successfully that it is easier to men- 
tion what should not be done instead of what should be 

185 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

done, so for the present I will name a number of things 
it is well "not to do" when striking: 

Do not get nervous. 

Do not strike with an arm movement. Let the force come en- 
tirely from the movement of the wrist. 

Do not always strike with the same degree of force, for if you 
do you will often tear the hook from the mouth of the trout. 

Do not strike with a force that is greater than the strength of 
the leader or snell. 

The force with which to strike a trout should be, in a 
great measure, determined by the amount of slack there is 
in the line at the time the rise takes place. 

Within reason, the greater the slack the greater the 
force should be that is put into the strike. When the fly 
is fished on the surface, or very nearly so, less force is re- 
quired than when the fly is under the surface from six to 
eight inches. It goes almost without saying, that small 
trout under all circumstances should not be struck as hard 
as medium-sized or large trout. It is from the character 
of the rise that the angler has to judge the size of the trout 
and the amount of force to be exerted in striking. 

Judgment, "fish sense" and experience eventually de- 
termine for every angler the force required to strike and 
hook properly the trout that rises to his fly. 

Fish hooks are sharp, very sharp, as all anglers know 
from experience not necessary to mention, and it does not 
take a tremendous force to seat a hook firmly in the mouth 
of any trout, be it large or small ; but on the other hand, 
the force that should be properly applied in striking a 

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TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

large trout would lift a small or medium-sized trout out 
of the water and sometimes land it in the boat or out on 
the bank. 

As a general proposition one does not strike as hard 
when fishing fast-running water as when fishing lakes or 
slow-running streams, because in fast water the fish helps 
to hook itself, especially a Brown Trout. 

The proper striking of a trout is one of the most im- 
portant elements in fly-fishing, be it wet or dry, and the 
angler who cannot strike and hook the trout that rise to 
his fly without yanking them out of the water, or tearing 
the hook from their mouth, or repeatedly breaking lead- 
ers, is not a good fly fisherman. 

And this remains true, no matter how perfectly he may 
cast or how well he may play his flies. Unless he can 
properly strike and hook his trout he is not, as I have said, 
a good fly fisherman. 

Patience, observation and experience, if properly ap- 
plied, will enable any angler to acquire the ability of strik- 
ing and hooking his fish under most conditions. 

Whether or not to "strike from the reel" or from a 
"hand-held line" is one that has been discussed by an- 
glers for many years and perhaps I am not far wrong 
when I say it still is quite a subject of conversation among 
them when around the camp-fire after a day's sport with 
the rod. 

The temperament of the angler and his ability to con- 
trol his strike, to my mind, are what eventually determine 
the question for every fisherman. Personally I never 

187 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

"strike from the reel," and do not advise any one to adopt 
this method, because less control is had over the line, like- 
wise the fish, and therefore much of the pleasure, as well 
as the skill, of angling is lost on that account. 

On the other hand, Mr. F. M. Halford, in his new 
book, entitled "The Dry-Fly Man's Handbook," has this 
to say upon the subject : 

"The strike must be made with sufficient force and no more. 
If insufficient, the hook will not penetrate far enough to hold the 
fish in its subsequent struggles, and if the force is excessive the 
gut will break at its weakest point, and leave the fly and possibly 
one or more strands of gut in the trout's jaws. The angler should 
acquire the habit of striking from the reel, i. e., without holding 
the line in the hand. Many old fishermen prefer holding the line 
when striking, but it is at best a risky proceeding, and too likely 
to result in a breakage of the gut." 

It is to be regretted that Mr. Halford has not gone 
more fully into this subject and given us more of his rea- 
sons for striking trout from the reel. 

To "strike from the reel" may be the better method to 
adopt when dry-fly fishing on English streams for the 
Brown Trout (Salmo-fario), and unquestionably there is 
less likelihood of breaking a fine-gut leader if the rod is in 
the hands of an inexperienced angler, but does it not re- 
quire greater skill for the angler to strike and land his 
fish from a "hand-held line"? 

In this country the best fly-fishing anglers almost uni- 
versally have given up the "strike from the reel," and it is 
because, first, actual control of the line is lost for a certain 

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TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

duration of time; second, the line must be necessarily- 
slackened, the extent of which is determined by the length 
of line run off the reel when a strike is made; third, a 
slack line, even when the trout is well hooked, means in 
most cases, especially with the Brook Trout (Salvelinus- 
fontinalis), its loss. 

After all is said in favor of either method, the fact 
remains that the proper method for any angler to adopt 
is the one best suited to his own peculiar make-up, and 
with which he has the best success. For the truth is, that 
success, and success alone, must determine eventually the 
ability of every angler, be he a wet or dry-fly fisherman. 



189 



CHAPTER XIII 

WHEN TO FISH DARK AND LIGHT-COLORED 

FLIES 

For years much has been said by anglers and writers 
on the subject of fishing about the use of different colored 
flies at different times of the day. They have agreed fairly 
well in their main ideas, which are, that dark-colored 
flies should be used during the daytime and that light-col- 
ored flies should be used in the early morning and evening 
hours. 

They have not, however, differentiated sufficiently be- 
tween water and weather conditions, or given reasons, to 
make their views of any great value to the beginner at fly- 
fishing. 

As a general proposition, irrespective of the waters to 
be fished, the angler should use flies that the trout can 
most quickly observe under the varying conditions above 
mentioned, because the eyesight of trout is largely gov- 
erned by these conditions. 

These are the physical conditions that exist: as the 
trout are in the water, they see any fly presented to them 
on the surface of the water, or a few inches under the sur- 
face, through the medium of the water. The distinctness 
with which they see the fly must necessarily depend upon 
both the water and weather conditions existing at the time 

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TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

the fly is displayed and, in addition, the coloration of the 
fly and its size. 

Therefore, there are four conditions that the angler 
must consider whenever fly-fishing for trout, namely, the 
condition of the water, the condition of the weather, the 
color of the fly and its size, in order to select one or more 
that can quickly be seen by the trout. 

Bearing in mind these four conditions, let us now con- 
sider what element it is that enables trout to see any fly, 
to a greater or less extent, under different conditions. 

If the background is dark and the object placed against 
it is dark, little or no contrast exists, therefore the object is 
not distinct: and this is equally true if against a light 
background a light object is placed. Consequently, in 
order to get a distinct outline of any object, the back- 
ground which brings out the form of the object must be 
of marked color contrast with the object. 

Then is not the element which brings out the form 
and coloration of the fly the contrast between the fly and 
the background, and is not this background the surface 
of the water and the sky above? 

This is the fundamental principle which exists, upon 
which must be based the selection of the color of the fly 
which will be most clearly visible to the trout with the dif- 
ferent kinds of backgrounds. 

As a basic proposition it can be said that to get the 
greatest contrast between a dark object and the back- 
ground, the background should be light; and if the object 
is light the background should be dark. 

191 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

There is another element which now enters into the 
consideration of this subject, namely, the distance from 
the object that the real or effective background is located. 

The real background is always the sky-line; but the 
effective background varies with conditions, the most 
marked variation being when the fly is under the surface 
of the water four or more inches ; and this is the only one 
it is necessary for the angler to consider in relation to the 
subject of what colored flies to use under different back- 
ground conditions. 

When the fly is upon the surface of the water, or just 
under the surface, not more than two to three inches, the 
background can be taken as the sky-line above, and al- 
though the background is made more or less effective by 
conditions it is too nice a point for the angler to take into 
consideration. 

When the fly is under the surface of the water four or 
more inches the effective background may be either the 
surface of the water or the sky-line above, depending al- 
most entirely upon the coloration of the water and the 
weather conditions. 

Let me say here in relation to this subject, that we will 
consider black and white to be colors and that they rep- 
resent the two extremes of fly and background coloration 
and the degree of coloration diminishes as we leave the 
black and approach the white, bearing in mind the while 
that White reflects and Black absorbs both color and light. 

In fly coloration the White Miller represents White 
and the Black Gnat represents Black. Place the White 

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TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

Miller on a dead black background and the Black Gnat 
on a dead white background and you have a condition in 
each instance where the greatest contrast is produced and 
each fly is most defined. Reverse the two flies, leaving the 
two backgrounds as they are, and you then have the least 
contrast and each fly is least defined. 

From these facts it becomes apparent that if the even- 
ing is very dark and overcast the light fly will be the best 
defined against such a background, and it is equally true 
that the dark fly will be the best defined against a sky back- 
ground that is clear and of lightish color. 

As water is dark in color when compared with the sky 
and more dense than the atmosphere, trout at all times dur- 
ing both day and night when looking toward the surface 
of the water are looking from a darker to a lighter area. 
It then follows that the fly which will most quickly be seen 
is one which makes the greatest contrast with the back- 
ground. This, I think, we may take as a fact, irrespective 
of any change there may be at times in the degree of dark- 
ness in the water. 

Following this principle out in practice, I have found 
that dark flies get more rises than light ones during the 
evening hours, except on very dark and overcast evenings 
when the lighter flies prove more successful. 

This is especially true with dark flies that have silver 
bodies, such as the Silver Doctor, the Silver Spot and the 
Silver Gnat; and this is undoubtedly due in a measure to 
the gleam of the silver in the water when the flies are be- 
ing played. 

i93 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

One reason why anglers have believed that light-col- 
ored flies, such as the White Miller, the Coachman, the 
Royal Coachman, the Parmachenee Bell, the Jenny Lind, 
the Professor and the Yellow Miller, are the best flies to 
use for evening fishing, without regard to conditions, is 
because they can best see these flies when cast upon the 
water and they assume that the trout can do likewise. 

They evidently have not stopped to consider that their 
seeing the flies is an entirely different proposition from the 
trout seeing them from the opposite direction. 

In the first instance the angler is looking at light flies 
resting directly upon a dark background, while the trout 
are looking at the same flies against a much lighter back- 
ground which is a long distance from them. 

Remember that the nearer in color is the sky back- 
ground, the water background and the atmospheric area 
between them, the less distinct appear all objects to the 
trout irrespective of color, for if the sky, the atmosphere 
and the water were all to have the same dark color, then 
objects on or in the water could not be seen from any di- 
rection, no matter what their color. 

The color of flies to use at certain times under certain 
conditions, in the main, applies equally well to both stream 
and lake fishing ; the very light fly, however, I have found 
to be less effective for stream fishing, but this applies to 
fast running water. 

When the fly is fished under the surface of the water 
four or more inches, the effective background gradually 
changes from the sky-line to the water line as the light 

194 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

above the water diminishes. The sky-line prevails as the 
background as long as the water and sky are clear, and 
there is good light. When the sky-line is dark there is little 
light for the water to absorb; consequently the back- 
ground becomes the water line and the outline of the fly 
is made against the water, which is lighter above than be- 
low the fly. 

It is well to consider the flies as being divided into three 
classes of color, such as : 

Light-Colored Flies, 
Medium-Colored Flies, 
Dark-Colored Flies. 

The Light-Colored Flies are those that have a decided 
lightish shade, and where white, light blue, light gray and 
light yellow predominate. 

The Medium-Colored Flies are those that are more 
neutral in shade, having no very marked leaning to either 
dark or light colors. 

The Dark-Colored Flies are those that have largely 
black, dark brown, dark green, red and indigo in their 
make-up and their general aspect is of a dark shade. 

The many fancy patterns of colored flies should be 
classed as medium, although some belong to the other 
classes. 

The resume of all that has been said in connection with 
my experience of many years in applying the principles 
I have advanced, amounts to just this: 

i95 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

WHEN FISHING WITH FLIES ON OR JUST UNDER THE SUR- 
FACE OF THE WATER 

// fishing in the early morning: 

Use light-colored flies, independent of water con- 
ditions, if sky is very overcast. 

Use medium or dark-colored flies under all other 
conditions. 

// fishing in the daytime: 

Use dark-colored flies when the water is calm or 
there is a slight ripple and there is a clear sky back- 
ground. 

Use light or medium-colored flies when the water 
is calm or there is a slight ripple and there is a dark 
sky background. 

Use any kind of fly, light, medium or dark in 
color when the water is rough, irrespective of what 
the background may be, because the sky background 
is made less effective, owing to the absorption of light 
by the waves. 

If fishing in the evening: 

Use dark-colored flies always when the water is 
calm or has quite a ripple and the sky background is 
blue or gray in color, preferably using flies with silver 
on the body or those having large bodies. 

This selection of flies also applies to moonlight 
nights. 

196 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

Use light-colored flies when the sky is very dark 
and overcast, or it is misty or rainy, no matter what 
the water conditions may be at the time. 



WHEN FISHING WITH FLIES FOUR OR MORE INCHES UNDER 
THE SURFACE OF THE WATER 

If fishing in the daytime: 

Flies fished under the surface of the water four 
or more inches during the daytime, when the sky is 
clear, should be dark or medium in color and, when 
the sky is dark, the flies should be light in color, dis- 
regarding water conditions at all times. 



// fishing in the evening: 

When fishing in the dusk of the evening it makes 
very little difference what colored flies are used, for 
one fly is as good as another and just about as well 
defined, irrespective of their color. 

The following list of flies gives an idea of how they 
should be classed for color : 



Light-Colored 
Flies 

White Miller 
Lady of the Lake 
Coachman 
Gilt Coachman 
Royal Coachman 
Deer Fly 



Medium-Colored 
Flies 



Dark-Colored 
Flies 



Queen of the Water Black Gnat 



King of the Water 
Professor 
Brown Coughlan 
Royal Governor 
Lake Green 



Black June 
March Brown 
Montreal 
Brown Adder 
Blue Bottle 



197 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



Light-Colored 
Flies 

Fin Fly 

Parmachenee Bell 

Dorset 

Fern 

Beaverkill 

Gosling 

Jenny Lind 

Neversink 

Reuben Wood 

Sunset 

Yellow May 

Yellow Hackle 

Gray Drake 

Blue Dun 



Medium-Colored 
Flies 

Gray Drake 

Hamlin 

General Hooker 

Grizzly King 

Camlet Dun 

Light Cow Dung 

Cinnamon 

Beauty 

Alice 

Alder 

Abbey 

August Dun 

Marston's Fancy 

Hare's Ear 



Dark-Colored 
Flies 

Dark Stone 
Governor 
Cahill 
Great Dun 
Hawthorn 
Prime Gnat 
Orange Black 
Carmen 
Furnace 
Wasp 

Silver Gnat 
Silver Spot 
Silver Doctor 
Silver Horns 



I suggest that anglers give some of these flies "a try- 
out." It costs but little, and may prove productive of suc- 
cessful results, as it has with me ; but, at all events, it should 
have some little element of interest for those who have not 
already applied these principles. 



198 



CHAPTER XIV 
THE "EXPERT" FLY FISHERMAN 

It is not an uncommon thing as each fishing season 
comes around to see in the various sporting papers that 
such and such a fly fisherman is described as an expert 
angler. 

In some cases the application of the term expert is 
undoubtedly properly applied, but in the large majority 
of cases, I am sorry to say, it is used with little or no judg- 
ment, and frequently with absolutely no knowledge of 
what the term expert fly fisherman really means. 

So much has been said upon this subject, and the term 
expert has been so persistently misapplied, that to-day the 
large majority of beginners and not a few semi-expe- 
rienced anglers have come to believe that an angler who 
is a good caster must naturally be an expert fly fisherman. 

Nothing, as a matter of fact, could be farther from the 
truth, because a good, or even an expert, caster, solely as 
such, is not and never can be an expert fly fisherman. 

It is not alone by casting that a man may become an 
expert fly fisherman, nor can the angler who only plays 
his fly properly or the one who excels merely at playing 
the fish be so described. The true expert with the arti- 

199 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

ficial fly is the man who sacrifices no one branch of his 
art to the rest (even if he excels particularly at some one 
of them), and by a skilful use of them all is able, season 
after season, and in many kinds of water, to catch fish. 

You will note when you read books on fly-fishing that 
most writers on the subject seldom use the word "suc- 
cessful" in connection with the word "expert." 

This is due in a great measure to the fact that by far 
the larger numbers of writers are not anglers of much ex- 
perience or they would not so easily fall into the habit 
of calling all good casters expert fly fishermen. 

It will sound strange to many anglers when I say that 
not one in twenty of the really expert fly-casters is a really 
good angler with the fly and to call such an expert is in- 
deed a misnomer. 

Do not accept what writers have to say upon this sub- 
ject as "gospel truth" before making some little investi- 
gation for yourself if you are desirous of becoming a suc- 
cessful fly fisherman. 

In the large majority of cases the expert caster and the 
expert fly fisherman are two distinct beings, so much so 
that the man that excels at either art is practically ex- 
cluded from ever excelling at both. 

The fly-caster seeks to excel in fly-casting, and he takes 
his pleasure in so doing, while the expert fly fisherman 
seeks to excel in catching game fish, and his pleasure is 
obtained in that way. 

The man who endeavors to perfect his casting of the 

200 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

fly to the exclusion of all other elements of fly-fishing will 
find himself sadly unsuccessful in catching game fish. 

These remarks are not in any sense directed against 
the fly-caster or any one who desires to excel in some one 
branch of fly-fishing, because, as I have stated in a previ- 
ous chapter, casting is an important factor in wet-fly fish- 
ing. My intention is to call anglers' attention to the fact 
that in many cases the term expert is not properly and 
correctly applied by writers on the subject. 

I have little patience with writers who seek to throw 
a halo around the art of fly-fishing and who try to impress 
upon the beginner at fly-fishing that there are many al- 
most insurmountable obstacles that stand in the way of 
his ever becoming a good fly fisherman unless he is an ex- 
pert caster of the fly. 

This is because it is unfair in the first place, and be- 
cause so far as wet-fly fishing is concerned it is untrue in 
the second place. 

There is nothing analogous between being a good 
caster and a good fly fisherman, and there never can be 
so far as wet-fly fishing is concerned. 

Success in wet-fly fishing means the catching of game 
fish wth the artificial fly, irrespective of what element or 
elements of fly-fishing may or may not be perfected to the 
expert point by the angler. 

If an angler can catch game fish with the wet-fly and 
he can do so consistently year after year, it stamps him as 
a successful fly fisherman, but it does not stamp him as 
a good or expert fly-caster. 

20 1 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

The successful wet-fly fisherman as such must neces- 
sarily cast and play his fly in such a manner as to deceive 
and attract the fish, and he must also be able to strike 
and play his fish, otherwise no results could possibly 
follow. 

This, however, does not mean that the angler must be 
an expert caster, an expert fisher of the fly, an expert 
striker of the fish, or an expert player of a hooked fish, but 
it does mean most decidedly that he is good in all of these 
branches of wet-fly fishing, and when he is a consistent 
performer at catching game fish he is entitled to be called 
an expert fly fisherman. 

The truth of what I have said can be verified at almost 
any place during the open season where wet-fly anglers 
congregate on either lake or stream. 

There are really two classes of wet-fly anglers, the 
greater and the lesser experts. Those of the former class 
are the anglers who can catch game fish consistently on 
many different kinds of water, and the lesser experts are 
the anglers who can only catch fish on certain kinds of 
water. There are comparatively few anglers in the first 
class, while there are quite a number in the second and 
lesser class. 

Although the dry and the wet-fly angler cannot prop- 
erly be judged from the same standpoint, nevertheless the 
principle involved in determining what constitutes an ex- 
pert fly fisherman in either case must be the same. 

Dry-fly anglers are somewhat prone to consider the 

202 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

expert dry-fly fisherman to be the angler who can cast a 
good fly, and who can cause the fish to rise to it, irre- 
spective of whether or not he can land his fish. 

This idea is impressed upon me when I read from 
time to time the articles written by them, and which ap- 
pear in many of our sporting papers. 

As an illustration of this attitude, I will mention what 
a well-known angler and writer on the subject has to say 
when speaking about dry-fly fishing. 

"Having prepared a gossamer leader, . . . preferring to 
risk a smash to not getting a rise, ... I dropped the small 
silver sedge, which I used, because it could be more plainly kept 
in sight, ..." 

If these words mean the idea they convey to me then 
they must imply that this angler-writer, first, was fishing 
with the idea of making the fish rise to his fly ; second, with 
the idea that he was fishing with a leader that was known 
to be so light and lacking in strength that it was liable to 
give way when a fish of any size was struck or while it 
was being played; and, third, that he was not fishing with 
the idea of landing his fish. 

To call such an angler an expert fly fisherman, al- 
though he might be the most expert of casters, is certainly 
misapplying the term in the extreme. 

Imagine giving any angler the title of expert fly fisher- 
man, who, before ever a cast is made, knowingly selects 
such a weak leader that it is liable to a smash if a fair- 

203 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

sized fish rises to his fly, and who says in so many words 
that he prefers "a smash to not getting a rise." 

I do not intend to convey the idea that this very writer 
is not an expert fly fisherman, but I do say most emphati- 
cally that if his words express his idea of the proper use of 
leaders for wet or dry-fly fishermen then he ought imme- 
diately to relinquish all claim to being an expert fly fisher- 
man, no matter how well he can cast a fly or how success- 
ful he may be in causing fish to rise to it. 

The personal pleasure or gratification of the angler 
has nothing to do with determining whether or not he is 
an expert with either the wet or dry-fly ; but no one has the 
right to gainsay how he shall fish or derive his greatest 
pleasure at the sport. This, however, in no way entitles 
any angler to be called an expert fly fisherman, no matter 
what his method of fly-fishing may be. 

Let us consider this matter a little further and from 
another viewpoint: the experienced angler who is an ex- 
pert, or even one who is not an expert, ought to know in 
the large majority of cases how hard he should strike with 
any leader he elects to fish with, otherwise of what use to 
him is his experience at the game? 

If in a number of instances he smashes leaders either 
when striking or playing his fish he is not a good fly fisher- 
man or a successful one, and therefore he cannot properly 
be called an expert. 

The real expert fly fisherman, be he a wet or dry-fly 
angler, is not the man who deliberately selects a weak 
leader when he knowingly is about to cast for a good- 

204 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

sized fish ; but he is the man who selects a leader suitable 
for the work he intends to put upon it and one that will not 
smash if well handled under the circumstances and condi- 
tions surrounding its use. 

The expert fly fisherman can be likened to the old- 
time machinist. He was a man who was versatile, having 
a knowledge of mechanics gained from a well-rounded 
experience which brought to him success and who never 
knowingly used an inferior quality or strength of ma- 
terial for a given piece of work. 

The so-called expert fly fisherman of to-day, on the 
other hand, is to be likened to the one-machine man who 
can do only one thing well, but this latter is not a ma- 
chinist any more than an expert caster is an expert fly 
fisherman. 

By all means and at all times, give credit where it is 
due, but give it properly and to the point; for instance, call 
the angler what he really is, not something he is not. 

If he is a good caster, a good fisher of the wet-fly, a 
good player of a hooked fish, or a good lander of fish, call 
him so, and if he excels in any one or more of these 
branches of fly-fishing by all means call him an expert in 
these branches. 

But do not call any angler who excels in any one or 
more of the branches an expert fly fisherman unless he is 
a successful fisherman with the fly and is a consistent per- 
former season after season; otherwise you will be mis- 
applying the word "expert." 



205 



CHAPTER XV 
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN LEADERS 

For the angler who has the inclination and oppor- 
tunity it will prove a pleasant pastime for him to make his 
own leaders, and within a comparatively short time he 
can learn to make leaders that will be superior and more 
reliable to any which he can purchase and at much less 
cost. 

Leaders are made from drawn silkworm gut and the 
things that are necessary to learn in order to be able to 
make good leaders are : 



i 

2 

3 
4 
5 
6 

7- 
8. 



How to select the silkworm gut. 

How to prepare the gut for tying. 

How to handle the gut when making a leader. 

How to tie the gut strands into a leader. 

How to tie end and dropper loops. 

How to dry the new leader. 

How to test the new leader. 

How to color the new leader. 

How to preserve leaders. 



How to select the silkworm gut: 

When buying drawn-silkworm gut for leaders, select 
the very best and be sure to get new gut free from imper- 

206 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

fections, otherwise you will have hard luck in making 
your leaders no matter how well they are tied. 

In speaking of how to select silkworm gut, I cannot 
do better than quote from that versatile and expert fly-fish- 
erman, Mr. Henry P. Wells, who states as follows on page 
103 in his great book, entitled "Fly-Rods and Fly- 
Tackle": 

"The features to be sought are good color, a hard, wiry tex- 
ture, roundness, even diameter from end to end and length. From 
these are to be inferred the strength and wearing quality of the 
gut, which are what we wish to estimate. 

"From the color we infer whether the gut is fresh or stale, its 
probable strength in relation to its thickness, and, in part, its wear- 
ing quality. In all these respects fresh gut is superior to old gut 
of original equal quality. 

"The color can best be judged from the fuzzy end of the hank, 
and should be clear and glassy, and by no means dull or yellowish. 
The wearing quality of the gut may be judged partly by its color, 
partly by its springiness when bent and released, and also by its 
hardness. It should feel like wire." 

Silkworm gut can be purchased in hanks of one hun- 
dred strands, white in color or in packages of twenty-five, 
fifty, and one hundred strands, that have been selected for 
grade and dyed mist color. My advice to the amateur 
leader maker is to buy the latter-mentioned kind of gut, 
for, in the long run, better results will be obtained, unless 
great study and care is given to the matter of selecting the 
white gut in hanks and the dyeing of the same. 

Even when selected gut is used it is of the utmost im- 
portance to see that the strands are regraded for size by 

207 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

passing each strand between the thumb and the middle 
finger. You will generally find that at least ten per cent., 
or ten strands of the hundred purchased, will have to be 
discarded as unfit for use, and that the ninety per cent., 
or ninety strands remaining, will have to be divided into 
two grades, in the proportion of thirty medium and sixty 
heavy, provided you have bought heavy gut. 

In selecting gut for leaders, whether light, medium, or 
heavy, discard any that is twisted or cracked, retaining 
only round gut free from visible defect. 

How to prepare the gut for tying: 

After the gut has been graded, to prepare it for mak- 
ing into leaders, it should be softened by soaking in water 
from one to two hours, preferably in water the tempera- 
ture of which is between seventy-five and one hundred de- 
grees Fahrenheit, in order to get the required softness or 
pliability of the gut. 

I would not advise using water over one hundred de- 
grees, although some leader makers use water only a little 
below the boiling point, or, say, two hundred degrees. 

The greater heat will soften the gut more quickly, but 
will, in my opinion, weaken it and make the leader liable 
to give away where it is tied. 

The gut will also have a tendency to "rough-up" on 
the surface of the strands when handled in making the 
leader, and especially so when tying and pulling the 
strands to set the knot. 

Avoid, then, very warm water, but allow sufficient time 

208 




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TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

for softening the gut so that it will have become properly- 
pliable before using. 

How to handle the gut when making a leader: 

When handling gut that has been soaked in water for 
a sufficiently long time to make it soft and pliable, great 
care should be observed not to kink, twist or bend short a 
single strand. If this happens, and it will at times, the in- 
jured strand should at once be destroyed so as to prevent 
any possibility of its getting into a leader by mistake. 

The soaked strands out of which a leader is to be made 
should always be kept in the water until used, otherwise 
the gut will not all be of the same softness and pliability 
which is of so much importance in accomplishing good 
results. 

Before removing any strand from the water just prior 
to tying it into the leader be sure to run your fingers over 
it from end to end to see that it is clean and free from all 
grit. 

How to tie the gut strands into a leader: 

There are a number of knots that can be used in the 
making of leaders, but the three knots in general use are 
the single water loop knot, the double water loop knot, and 
the single hitch or single surgeon's knot. 

All of these knots are good and serviceable if prop- 
erly tied, but the single water loop knot naturally is not as 
strong as the other two if all are equally well tied. It is, 
however, of ample strength for all practical purposes. 

209 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

In tying the single water loop knot take two strands 
of gut, hold them end to end, then lap them about two 
inches. Now take the lapped strands between the thumb 
and forefinger of the left hand, holding them near the left- 
hand end of the lap. With the right hand take the free 
end of the left-hand strand and make a loop around the 
straight right-hand strand, passing the end through the 
loop thus made, being sure to pull the loop tight. 

After this is done, reverse the strands, end for end, 
and make exactly the same loop with the other free end 
strand. After these two loops are made take hold of the 
two long ends of the tied gut and pull the two loops to- 
gether, being sure to jerk the gut sufficiently to set the 
finally completed knot so that it cannot slip. 

The short gut ends on each side of the knot can then be 
cut off close to the knot with a curved pair of scissors. 

The double water loop knot is made in exactly the 
same way as the single water loop knot, except two loops 
instead of one are made around the straight part of the 
gut strands. 

The single hitch or single surgeon's knot is a very 
simple one, but one that requires considerable care and 
experience to make well, because if not properly made it 
will slip and on that account become useless. This knot 
is made by first lapping the gut strands about two inches 
in just the same way as when making the water loop knots. 

Having lapped the strands, this is followed by making 
one complete loop, keeping the strands parallel, and then 
passing both ends, the short and the long, through the 

210 



DOUBLE SURGEON'S KNOT PLATE A 



<^~ 




-&£ 



FIO 3 



SINGLE SURGEON'S KNOT 



^ 



FIG. 3 




LEADER KNOTS 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

loop. After this is done the loop is pulled tight, being 
sure that an even strain comes on the four strands, and 
the knot is then complete and the short ends of gut can 
be cut off. 

Personally, I use the single water loop knot and the 
single surgeon's knot, but very seldom the double water 
loop knot as it is not possible to tie this as small as either 
of the other two. 

How to tie end and dropper loops: 

There are several kinds of knots that can be used in 
tying end and dropper loops on leaders, but I am satisfied 
that both loops can be thoroughly and well tied by the 
use of the single surgeon's knot, and for years I have used 
no other kind of knot for this purpose. 

It is the "common" knot used by many leader makers 
for end loops, and it is criticised by some because they say 
the pull is not a direct one, and it is claimed that "one 
strand of gut is liable to cut the other." 

This is probably true in a sense, and essentially so if 
the knot is poorly or hurriedly made ; but if properly made 
it will stand a much greater strain than should ever be 
placed upon it when in use. 

The end loops are made by simply doubling over about 
two inches of the end gut strand, then making a complete 
loop, passing the bent-over end through the loop and pull- 
ing the loop tight, leaving the end loop thus made as long 
as desired. 

A dropper loop is made in the same way as the knot 

211 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

used for tying the gut strands into a leader, except that one 
strand is doubled over just as is done when making an end 
loop. 

How to dry the new leader: 

After a leader is made, put it to soak for half an hour, 
so that the entire leader may become equally pliable 
throughout its length. 

Having selected some convenient place for drying the 
leader, such as a side wall of a room or better yet a pine 
board made for the purpose that is twelve inches wide and 
ten feet long, planed on both sides, with small brass hooks 
one inch apart, placed at one end of the board. 

Now pass one of the end loops of the leader over one 
of the brass hooks, then gently pull the leader straight 
with sufficient force so as to make a slight tension on the 
leader from end to end. Now secure the free end of the 
leader to the board by passing a large pin or small brad- 
awl through the remaining end loop. 

Keep the leader in this position until thoroughly dry, 
then take down and coil, being sure to keep the leader 
straight while so doing. 

How to test the new leader: 

Leaders should be tested both when wet and dry, in 
order to know their real durability and strength. Take 
a dry leader and place one end loop over a brass hook, 
then straighten out the leader, being sure that it is not 
twisted. Through the other end loop place the hook of 

212 



KNOTS USED IN MAKING LEADERS 

SINGLE WATERLOOP KNOT PLATE B 




=^=^- 



FIG. 3 



DOUBLE WATERLOOP KNOT 





•VVte 



=^ 



FIG. 3 



LEADER KNOTS 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

a standard spring balance scale and pull steadily and 
slowly until the scale shows that a pull of three pounds is 
being exerted, provided it is a heavy or medium leader 
that is being tested. If it is a light leader, do not exert a 
pull of over two pounds. If the leader has not given way 
under this pull, you can assume for the time being that this 
particular leader is good for the pounds-pull exerted. 
Now take this leader, after carefully coiling same, and 
soak it in water just as it comes from the faucet until it 
is pliable. This will take about an hour, then test the 
leader as before, only this time you will put a gradual 
pressure on the leader until it breaks, noting, of course, 
at what pounds-pull it gave way. Again soak the leader, 
after cutting off about an inch of each end of the gut where 
it gave way, for a little while, then tie the two parts to- 
gether. Test it again up to four-fifths of its breaking 
strength, and if it holds set it up to dry. 

When dry, tag it the pounds-pull at which it broke, 
coil and place in an oil paper envelope. The coiled leader 
should not be less than three and one-half inches in diame- 
ter and four inches is much better. 

How to color the new leader: 

Personally, I am a believer in coloring the finished 
leader, not the separate strands of gut out of which the 
leader is made, because my experience and experiments 
have convinced me that better results are thus obtained. 

Leaders can be given almost any kind of color with hot 
dye, and the color can be made fast to a greater or less ex- 

213 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

tent, usually the faster the color the weaker the leader is 
made, owing, in a great measure, to the heat of the dye 
and the length of time consumed by the process. There 
are, in my judgment, just two leaders to use, the white 
and the mist, the former requires no coloring, while the 
latter does. 

The mist-colored leader, to my mind, is the best color 
to use, and it can be made any shade from very light to 
very dark, depending entirely upon the desire of the an- 
gler, and without much detriment to the gut. 

The shade of the mist-dyed leader depends only upon 
the length of time it remains in the solution, provided it 
is properly prepared in the first place. 

Before dyeing a leader mist or any other color the 
leader must first be thoroughly washed or wiped to re- 
move all dirt and any oily or greasy film that may be on 
the gut. This can best be done with a piece of clean 
chamois and ninety-five per cent, pure alcohol. After the 
leader has been cleaned it should be soaked in cool water 
for at least one-half hour, then taken out and pressed 
gently between two pieces of cotton cloth to remove all 
surface moisture. After this it should be submerged at 
once in the cold coloring fluid until the proper shade is 
obtained. Either Arnold's or Stafford's writing fluid can 
be used as the dye, and I have found little if any choice be- 
tween them, as both answer better than other dyes, with less 
bad effect, than any I have been able to discover. 

To make the proper dye solution, take one pint of 
Arnold's or Stafford's writing fluid, pour it carefully into 

214 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

a two-quart china or enameled ware pitcher, avoiding, as 
far as possible, getting any sediment into the pitcher, if 
there is any. To the fluid in the pitcher add a full pint of 
clear cold water (not ice water), now stir the ink and 
water with a clean white pine stick or paddle, afterward 
strain the solution through at least four thicknesses of 
cheesecloth. The dye is now ready to receive the leader 
that is to be dyed, and it is better to suspend the leader in 
the solution in such a way that it can be raised from time 
to time so that the effect of the dye upon the leader can 
be observed. 

When washing the leader taken from the dye great 
care must be observed to remove all of the free dye cling- 
ing to the leader, and this is best accomplished by using 
three sets of cool water. After washing, press the leader 
between two cotton cloths to remove all moisture, then 
stretch the leader out to dry, preferably in such a manner 
that it will not come in contact with anything except the 
hooks that hold it at each end. When the leader is thor- 
oughly dry, take it down, coil and put it away to be tested 
in about a week in the manner already described. 

Any number of leaders can be dyed at the same time. 
It is my custom to dye about twenty with one solution. 

How to preserve leaders: 

All silkworm gut leaders, when they are dry, are best 
preserved by keeping them in a dark place. They should 
be stored where they will not touch each other and where 
they will not be subjected to any great artificial heat. 

215 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

During the winter months or the closed season for fly- 
fishing leaders can be absolutely protected from deteriora- 
tion by placing them in a large mouth jar of 95 per cent, 
pure alcohol. 

The jar should have a tight cover to prevent evapora- 
tion, and it should be kept in a dark place or covered with 
a black piece of cloth. When the leaders are submerged 
in alcohol it does not make any difference if they do touch 
each other, as no injury to them will result. 



216 



LEADER DROPPER LOOP PLATE C 





LEAVER. END LOOP 




r/c. 2 





LEADER KNOTS 



CHAPTER XVI 
TROUT FLY-FISHING IN THE RANGELEY REGION 

The Rangeley Region is in the northwestern part of 
Maine. It comprises a section in which are located the 
lakes and headwaters of the Androscoggin River. 

They are, starting at the extreme northern point and 
working south, the Seven Ponds, the upper section of 
Kennebago Stream, Little Kennebago Lake, through 
which Kennebago Stream runs, the middle section of Ken- 
nebago Stream, which connects with Kennebago Lake, 
and then continues south to Kennebago Falls, where the 
middle section of the stream ends. 

Continuing south from Kennebago Falls there is the 
lower section of Kennebago Stream, which joins Range- 
ley Stream, which stream connects Rangeley Lake with 
Cupsuptic Lake. Then comes Mooselucmaguntic Lake, 
Upper Richardson Lake, Lower Richardson Lake, and 
Umbagog Lake, the last-named emptying into the An- 
droscoggin River. 

In addition to these lakes there is Parmachenee Lake, 
which is to the northwest of Cupsuptic Lake and located 
about parallel with Little Kennebago Lake and separated 
from it by West Kennebago Mountain and Cupsuptic 
Stream. 

217 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

Parmachenee Lake empties into the Magalloway 
River, which in turn runs into the Androscoggin River 
at Umbagog Lake. 

Besides the lakes and streams mentioned there are a 
number of small lakes and streams connected with the 
larger ones, in all of which there is good fly-fishing to be 
had for the Brook Trout. 

Even at this late date comparatively little is really 
known about this remarkable portion of Maine, notwith- 
standing the fact that much has been written about the 
fly-fishing to be had there. 

Anglers who fish almost exclusively in the streams of 
New York and Pennsylvania, within easy reach from New 
York City, have little or no knowledge of the wonderful 
sport on lake and stream that is to be had in this region. 
These anglers, in many instances, have been prone to call 
fly-fishing in Maine waters "wilderness fishing," and have 
rather assumed the attitude that little skill was required 
to catch the trout found in these waters. 

Such an assumption, however, is far from the truth, 
as these anglers would quickly realize if they were to 
take just one fishing trip to any of the many good trout 
waters found in the Rangeley Region and elsewhere in 
the State of Maine. 

It is true that this region has been, and is being, more 
civilized year by year, and some of the charms of wild life 
are disappearing slowly but surely, yet for a long time to 
come nature lovers and anglers will find many places 
where they can enjoy the best of sport on stream and lake 

218 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

away up among the mountains, and where real health and 
strength, in addition to the best of fly-fishing, are to be 
found. 

In the "Rangeley Lakes," which consist of Rangeley 
Lake (Oquassoc Lake), Cupsuptic Lake, Mooselucma- 
guntic Lake, the Upper Richardson Lake (Welokeneba- 
cook Lake), the Lower Richardson Lake (Molechunke- 
munk Lake), and Umbagog Lake and the streams 
connecting and running into them, no other fish than the 
Brook Trout and land-locked Salmon are found, except 
four varieties of fish upon which the trout and salmon 
feed. These four varieties are the Chub, the Sucker, the 
Minnow and the small "Blue-Back" trout, and on this ac- 
count fly-fishing has an added pleasure. 

The angler in these waters is not restricted to fly-fish- 
ing, as the law permits him to bait-fish and troll, but it is 
sincerely hoped that before many years go by bait-fishing 
for trout and land-locked salmon will be done away with, 
by law if necessary, but preferably by the education of the 
anglers themselves. 

The best section of the Rangeley Region for fly-fish- 
ing, considering everything from the angler's viewpoint, 
is Kennebago Lake, Little Kennebago Lake, the upper 
Kennebago Stream and the Seven Ponds. In all these 
waters there are but four varieties of fish, all told. They 
are the Brook Trout, the land-locked Salmon, the Smelt 
and the Minnow, the two latter varieties furnishing the 
food for the two former. 

Fishing on Kennebago Stream below the Falls and in 

219 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

this last-named section is restricted entirely to fly-fishing 
with the artificial fly, which naturally keeps this method 
of fishing "at par" year after year. 

The Fish and Game Commission of the State of Maine 
is doing great work in preserving the fishing all over the 
State, and especially in the Rangeley Region, by stock- 
ing the waters yearly and by having wise laws passed by 
the Legislature restricting the number of trout and salmon 
that shall be killed in one day by one angler. 

All the waters so restricted are well watched by fish 
wardens, and the guides, in almost every instance, see to 
it that their patrons observe the laws. 

It is only fair, however, to say that nowadays and for 
a few years past anglers have seldom intentionally broken 
the laws, for they are beginning to realize that "their 
sport," if it is to be perpetuated, must be carried on with 
judgment, and that game fish should not be needlessly or 
wantonly killed. 

The laws do not restrict the fly-fishing angler, in cer- 
tain places, from catching in numbers both trout and 
salmon. They simply restrict the number he shall catch 
and kill in one day. 

This is a wise law, because the angler is not deprived 
of the pleasure of catching fish by the number of fish he 
may legally kill, and the fish that are caught on the fly and 
returned to the water are seldom hurt. 

For a number of years I have carefully studied and ob- 
served the fish and the fly-fishing conditions in Kennebago 
Stream, both above and below the Falls and in the upper 

220 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

Rangeley Region section, and my experience has been that 
of the trout or salmon caught on the fly and immediately 
returned to the water not more than one out of an hun- 
dred dies even after being weighed. 

At present, 1914, the law permits one angler to kill 
in one day two fish caught on the fly in the stream below 
Kennebago Falls and to kill ten fish caught on the fly 
above the Falls and in the waters of the upper section. 

It is with a great deal of satisfaction that I am able to 
say that few sportsmen (be they tyros or experienced an- 
glers) when fishing these waters avail themselves of the 
privilege of killing their legal number of fish a day. This 
condition, in a modest way, I have in some degree helped 
to bring about with the aid of the guides. It is the excep- 
tion, not the rule, to-day that the angler kills his legal limit. 
On the other hand, he saves no more fish than he wants to 
eat or desires to have mounted or preserved for scientific 
purposes. 

In what I have called the upper Rangeley Region sec- 
tion, but more especially in Kennebago Lake, Little Ken- 
nebago Lake and the upper section of Kennebago Stream, 
is to be had the finest of trout fly-fishing. 

In these waters the trout range in weight from one- 
quarter of a pound to four pounds, and it is not unusual 
in the early Spring and during the month of September 
to catch trout weighing up to five pounds actual weight. 

Trout have been caught weighing seven pounds, and 
it is an established fact that there are many such fish in 

221 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

these waters, but they seldom rise to the fly of even the 
most expert of fly fishermen. 

But the fact alone that these "big trout" are there and 
are seen "rolling" is sufficient to make the ardent angler 
fish for them both early and late with the hope that some 
time he will induce one of them to take his fly. 

And when the time comes he will have one of the 
greatest pleasures of his life, short in a sense, but lasting 
from half an hour to an hour and a half, depending upon 
the fighting qualities of the trout. 

These "big trout" are slow but steady fighters, as a 
rule, and it does not do for the angler who has one of them 
on his hook to try and land him in a hurry if he has any 
wish to net him. 

And here let me impress upon all sportsmen that the 
proper method of landing a trout, no matter how large 
it may be, is with the net and never with the gaff. Do not 
degrade yourself in the eyes of others and in your own 
estimation, if you are a high-minded fly-fishing sportsman, 
by thrusting the barbarous gaff into the body of "the most 
beautiful fish that swims," the Salvelinus-Fontinalis. 

Large trout, even those that weigh up to ten and twelve 
pounds, can be successfully netted with the proper-sized 
net, a little care and a reasonable amount of judgment. 
The judgment is displayed in not trying to net the fish be- 
fore the proper time, which is after it has been played to 
such an extent that it has turned on its side or is under ab- 
solute control. 

When speaking of fly-fishing in the entire Rangeley 

222 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

Region and particularly in the upper section, there is one 
subject that must not be overlooked, and that is the guides. 

These guides are licensed and registered, and are a 
most remarkable lot of men. They are in most cases skil- 
ful fishermen, willing workers, courteous and obliging to 
a degree, patient with their patrons under trying circum- 
stances, and they know where and how to fish on lake and 
stream at all times. 

The guides of this section are largely natives and come 
from families where the fathers and grandfathers before 
them, in many cases, have been guides. So it is not strange 
that they know their business of guiding, and know it well, 
and nearly always have the "fish sense" well developed. 
In addition, they are such efficient boatmen and powerful 
canoeists that any angler (male or female) is absolutely 
safe in their hands. 

When fishing Kennebago Stream below the Falls (the 
lower section of the stream), it is compulsory for the an- 
gler to have a guide, and he must fish in the presence of 
this guide. 

On all other waters it is not compulsory to employ a 
guide ; but if the angler wishes to have the best sport and 
obtain the greatest amount of pleasure and success, a guide 
is essentially desirable and absolutely necessary if the 
waters are to be properly fished. 

The open season in Maine begins when the ice goes 
out of the lakes in the Spring and lasts until the first day 
of October in each year, except in a few places where 
special restrictions are imposed by law. 

223 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

All through the Rangeley Region the angler can find 
good camps at which to put up where the food is good and 
plentiful, and where guides are to be obtained, as a rule. 

Board at the camps costs from $2.50 to $3.00 per day, 
but special rates can be obtained for a stay of a week or 
more. Boats or canoes cost 50 cents per day, or $3.00 if 
hired by the week. It costs $3.00 per day for a guide, and 
the angler has to pay for the guide's board, which varies 
from $1.00 to $1.25 per day, depending upon the camp. 

If two anglers go together, then the cost of the guide, 
his board and the cost of the boat or canoe can be cut in 
half. 

Provided that anglers can afford it, the better way is 
for each angler to have his own guide and boat, because 
in this way greater pleasure and success are to be had 
while fishing. 

After having fished many waters in the States where 
the Brook Trout is to be found in streams and lakes, and 
having fished the Rangeley Region for years, and more 
especially the upper section, both in the Spring and Fall, 
I am prepared to say without reservation that there is no 
place in the United States which offers to the angler such 
wonderful fly-fishing for the Speckled Beauty, and where 
they are so plentiful and grow to such a great size as in 
the Rangeley Region of Maine. 



224 





p 

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CHAPTER XVII 
WET-FLIES USED IN VARIOUS STATES 

Some years ago, about 1890, Mr. Charles F. Orvis, of 
Manchester, Vermont, wrote to many anglers in the 
United States, asking them for their views as to the fa- 
vorite or successful flies used by them in fishing the waters 
of their State. 

A number of replies were received and were published 
in 1892 by Mary Orvis Marbury, a daughter of Mr. Orvis, 
in her book entitled "Favorite Flies," and she geographic- 
ally classified them therein. 

In order that the angler reader can more readily ascer- 
tain the favorite and successful flies of any State men- 
tioned, I have tabulated the flies, giving the name of the 
State, the number of letters received from each State, the 
number of different flies named and the number of times 
each fly is mentioned. 

There is also a list of the 126 different flies arranged 
alphabetically mentioned by the 124 anglers. 

There are two recapitulations. One showing the total 
number of flies mentioned and the different flies men- 
tioned in each State ; the other giving the order, the names 
of the twelve most popular or favorite flies, the number of 

225 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

States in which each fly is mentioned and the number of 
times each fly is mentioned. 



i 

2 

3 
4 

5-i 
6 



Maine 



Names of States and Groups of States 

7 Michigan 



New Hampshire and 


R 


J Minnesota a 


Vermont 


\J 


[Wisconsin 


Massachusetts, 


9 


Montana 


Rhode Island and 


IO 


Colorado 


Connecticut 








ii 


Washington 


New York 








12 


California 


New Jersey, 
Pennsylvania and 


13 


Oregon 


Delaware 


H 


Wyoming 


Virginia and 


i5 


Arizona 


West Virginia 


16 


Nevada 



226 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

MAINE 

Letters Received from 17 Anglers 



Order 


0/ 




Number of 


Popularity 


Name of Flies 


Times Mentioned 


1 




Montreal 


H 


2 




Silver Doctor 1 


10 


3 




Parmachenee Bell 


9 


4 




Brown Hackle «< 


7 


5 




Grizzly King 


5 


6 




Professor 


5 


7 




Scarlet Ibis 


5 


8 




Red Ibis 


3 


9 




Blue Jay 


3 


10 




White Miller 


3 


11 




Yellow May 


3 


12 




B. Pond 


2 


13 




Jenny Lind 


2 


14 




Jungle Cock 


2 


15 




Toodle Bug 


2 


16 




Quack Doctor 


2 



The following 28 flies were mentioned only once : 

Reuben Wood Richardson 

Royal Coachman Bumble Bee 

Golden Pheasant Seth Green 

Tinseled Ibis Webster 

Black Hackle Hamlin 

Yellow Sally Hill Fly 

Yellow Moose Red Hackle 

Lord Baltimore Prouty 

Magalloway Nameless 

Tim Pond Bemis 

Coachman New Lake 

Cabinet Portland 

Cow Dung Abbey 

Queen of the Water Black Gnat 

Total number of different flies mentioned, 44. 

227 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



VERMONT and NEW HAMPSHIRE 

Letters Received from 8 Anglers 



Order of 




Number of 


Popularity 


Name of Flies 


Times Mentioned 


I 


Coachman 




3 


2 


Grizzly King 


3 


3 


Professor 




3 


4 


Black Gnat 




3 


5 


Alder 




2 


6 


Seth Green 




2 


7 


Fin Fly 




2 


8 


White Miller 


2 


9 


Grasshopper 




2 


IO 


Brown Hackle 


2 


The following 


12 flies were mentioned only 


once: 


Blue Jay 




Scarlet Ibis 




No Name 




Leadwing Coachman 


Parmachenee Bell 


Black Hackle 




Governor 




Royal Coachman 


Gray Hackle 




Coch-y Bonddu 


Brown Hen 




Hackles 





Total number of different flies mentioned, 22. 



228 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

MASSACHUSETTS, 
RHODE ISLAND and CONNECTICUT 

Letters Received from 8 Anglers 



Order of 


Number of 


Popularity 


Name of Flies Times Mentioned 


I 


Coachman 


3 


2 


White Miller 


3 


3 


Montreal 


2 


4 


Yellow May 


2 


5 


Scarlet Ibis 


2 


6 


Red Hackle 


2 


7 


Silver Doctor 


2 


8 


Parmachenee Bell 


2 


9 


Grizzly King 


2 


The following I] 


: flies were mentioned only 


once: 


Black May 


Perch Fly 




Red Spinner 


Silver King 




Alder 


Raven 




Brown Hackle 


Black Prince 




Jenny Lind 


Royal Coachman 


Polka 







Total number of different flies mentioned, 20. 



229 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

NEW YORK 

Letters Received from 24 Anglers 



Order of 




Number of 


Popularity 


Name of Flies Times Mentioned 


1 


Coachman 


II 


2 


Brown Hackle 


9 


3 


Professor 


7 


4 


Green Drake 


5 


5 


Grizzly King 


5 


6 


Queen of the Water 


4 


7 


Red Ibis 


4 


8 


Cow Dung 


4 


9 


Governor 


4 


10 


Montreal 


4 


11 


Beaverkill 


3 


12 


Black Gnat 


3 


13 


Reuben Wood 


3 


H 


Ginger Hackle 


3 


15 


Black Hackle 


3 


16 


Seth Green 


3 


17 


White Miller 


3 


18 


Orange Miller 


3 


19 


Silver Doctor 


2 


20 


Van Patton 


2 


21 


Scarlet Ibis 


2 


22 


Royal Coachman 


2 


23 


Quaker 


2 


24 


Alder 


2 



The following 14 flies were mentioned only once : 

Yellow Professor Blue Professor 

Magpie Babcock 

Griffith Brown Hen 

Gov. Alvord Proctor Fly 

Soldier Palmer Blue Jay 

Romeyn Davidson Hackle 

Brown Palmer Claret 

Total number of different flies mentioned, 38. 

230 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



PENNSYLVANIA, 
NEW JERSEY and DELAWARE 

Letters Received from 10 Anglers 



Order of 


Num 


xber of 


Popularity 


Name of Flies Times Mentioned 


I 


Queen of the Water 


5 


2 


Coachman 


4 


3 


Cow Dung 


4 


4 


Grizzly King 


3 


5 


Silver Doctor 


2 


6 


Polka 


2 


7 


Stone Fly 


2 


8 


Black Gnat 


2 


9 


Yellow Sally 


2 


The following 


12 flies were mentioned only 


once: 


Professor 


Jenny Lind 




Bright Fox 


Brown Palmer 




Hamlin 


Montreal 




Seth Green 


King of the Water 


Red Fox 


Bishop 




Gray Hackle 


Lord Baltimore 



Total number of different flies mentioned, 21. 



231 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



VIRGINIA and WEST VIRGINIA 

Letters Received from 10 Anglers 



Order of 


Number of 


Popularity 


Name of Flies Times Mentioned 


I 


Queen of the Water 6 


2 


All Hackles 6 


3 


Coachman 4 


4 


White Miller 4 


5 


Black Gnat 3 


6 


Cow Dung 2 


7 


Montreal 2 


?he following 


10 flies were mentioned only once : 




Jock Scott 




Lord Baltimore 




Green and Gold 




Red Ibis 




Blue Dun 




Professor 




Yellow Fly 




Scarlet Ibis 




The Owner 




Royal Coachman 



Total number of different flies mentioned, 17. 



232 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



MICHIGAN 

Letters Received from 8 Anglers 

Order of Number of 

Popularity Name of Flies Times Mentioned 

i Coachman 6 

2 Professor 5 

3 Hackles 3 

4 Yellow May 2 

5 Black Gnat 2 

6 Cow Dung 2 

7 Grizzly King 2 

8 Silver Doctor 2 

9 Bee 2 
10 Scarlet Ibis 2 

The following 8 flies were mentioned only once: 

Seth Green 
Widow 
March Brown 
Gray Miller 
Fire Fly 
Royal Coachman 
White Miller 
Montreal 

Total number of different flies mentioned, 18. 



233 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



MINNESOTA and WISCONSIN 

Letters Received from 4 Anglers 

Order of Number of 

Popularity Name of Flies Times Mentioned 

1 Brown Hackle 2 

2 Montreal 2 

The following 10 flies were mentioned only once : 

Gnats 

Millers 

Parmachenee Bell 

Coachman 

Deer Fly 

Leadwing Coachman 

Abbey 

Seth Green 

Professor 

Academy 

Total number of different flies mentioned, 12. 



234 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



MONTANA 

Letters Received from 6 Anglers 

Order of Number of 

Popularity Name of Flies Times Mentioned 

i Coachman 4 

2 Brown Hackle 4 

3 Professor 3 

4 Black Gnat 2 

The following 11 flies were mentioned only once: 

Grasshopper 

Imbrie 

Cheney 

Captain 

White Miller 

Deer Fly 

Royal Coachman 

Gray Hackle 

Jungle Cock 

Gray Alder 

Queen of the Water 

Total number of different flies mentioned, 15. 



23S 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



COLORADO 

Letters Received from 8 Anglers 

Order of Number of 

Popularity Name of Flies Times Mentioned 

i Coachman 6 

2 Brown Hackle 5 

3 Royal Coachman 3 

4 Black Gnat 2 

5 Leadwing Coachman 2 

6 Grizzly King 2 

The following 9 flies were mentioned only once: 

Gray Drake 

Governor 

Willow 

New Fly 

Gray Hackle 

Professor 

Queen of the Water 

King of the Water 

Brown Caughlan 

Total number of different flies mentioned, 15. 



236 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



WASHINGTON 

Letters Received from 6 Anglers 



Order of 


Number of 


Popularity 


Name of Flies Times Mentioned 


I 


Brown Hackle 6 


2 


Professor 5 


3 


Coachman 5 


4 


Black Gnat 2 


5 


Royal Coachman 2 


The following 8 flies were mentioned only once : 




Red Hackle 




Scarlet Ibis 




Hackles 




Governor 




Cow Dung 




White Miller 




Curtis 




Lord Baltimore 



Total number of different flies mentioned, 13. 



237 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

CALIFORNIA 

Letters Received from 4 Anglers 

Order of Number of 

Popularity Name of Flies Times Mentioned 

1 Royal Coachman 2 

2 Black Gnat 2 

3 White Miller 2 

4 Brown Hackle 2 

The following 17 flies were mentioned only once: 

Hackles 
Caddis 
Coachman 
Professor 
Brown Hen 
Yellow Bumble 
Willard Gray 
Wilson's Ant 
Bicknell Fly 
Beans Fly 
Shain Fly 
Spider 
Governor 
Duns 

Cow Dung 
Gray Drake 
Green Drake 

Total number of different flies mentioned, 21. 



238 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 





OREGON 


Letters Received from 7 Anglers 


Order of 


Number of 


Popularity 


Name of Flies Times Mentioned 


1 


Coachman 5 


2 


Brown Hackle 5 


3 


Professor 3 


4 


Royal Coachman 2 


5 


Cow Dung 2 


6 


Jungle Cock 2 


7 


Green Drake 2 


8 


White Miller 2 


9 


Soldier Palmer 2 


The following 1 


8 flies were mentioned only once : 


Black Midge 


Claret 


Grizzly King 


Nicholson 


Montreal 


Silver Lady 


Romeyn 


Maid of the Mill 


Yellow Drake 


Queen of the Water 


Yellow May 


Humming Bird 


Deer Hair Fly 


Reuben Wood 


Governor 


Jock Scott 


Bee 


Donkey 



Total number of different flies mentioned, 27. 



239 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



WYOMING 

Letters Received from 2 Anglers 

rder of Nu mber of 

Popularity Name of Flies Times Mentioned 

i Black Gnat 2 

2 White Miller 2 

3 Coachman 2 

The following 6 flies were mentioned only once : 

Royal Coachman 

Professor 

Dark Cow Dung 

Scarlet Ibis 

Imbrie 

Montreal 

Total number of different flies mentioned, 9. 



240 




CO 

Q 



O 



Q 

o 



2 
o 

to' 
Q 
G 



O 
M 

O 

z 

SE 

o 

w 

CO 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



ARIZONA 

Letter Received from I Angler 

Order of Number of 

Popularity Name of Flies Times Mentioned 

i Brown Ant i 

2 Yellow Sally i 

3 Coachman i 

4 Royal Coachman i 

Total number of different flies mentioned, 4. 





Letter Received from 1 Angler 


Order of 


Number of 


Popularity 


Name of Flies Times Mentioned 


1 


Coachman 1 


2 


Brown Hackle 1 


3 


Black Hackle 1 


4 


Professor 1 


5 


Black Gnat 1 


6 


Cow Dung 1 


7 


Alder 1 


8 


Abbey 1 



Total number of different flies mentioned, 8. 



241 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



List of the different flies named by 124 anglers in 16 
States or groups of States, tabulated from Mary Orvis 
Marbury's book, "Favorite Flies." 

Number of States in which each fly is mentioned, shown in brackets 

Abbey (3) Claret : (2) 

Academy (1) Coachman (16) 

Alder (4) Coch-y Bonddu ( 1 ) 

Cow Dung (9) 

Curtis (1) 



Babcock 

Beaverkill 

Bean's Fly .... 

Bemis 

Bee 

Bishop 

Bicknell Fly . . . 

B. Pond 

Black Gnat 

Black May 

Black Midge .. . 
Black Hackle . . 
Black Prince . .. 

Blue Dun 

Brown Ant .... 
Brown Hen . . . 
Brown Hackle . 
Brown Palmer . 

Blue Jay 

Blue Professor . 
Brown Caughlan 

Bright Fox 

Bumble Bee 



Cabinet 
Caddis . 
Captain 
Cheney 



Dark Cow Dung ( 1 ) 

Davidson Hackle (1) 

Deer Fly (2) 

Deer Hair Fly (1) 

Donkey ( 1 ) 

Duns (1) 

Fin Fly (1) 

Fire Fly (1) 

Ginger Hackle (1) 

Gnats (1) 

Golden Pheasant (1) 

Gov. Alvord (1) 

Governor (6) 

Gray Alder (1) 

Gray Drake (2) 

Gray Hackle (4) 

Gray Miller (1) 

Green and Gold ........ (1) 

Green Drake (3) 

Grizzly King (8) 

Grasshopper (2) 

Griffith (1) 

Hackles (5) 

Hamlin (2) 



242 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



Hill Fly 

Humming Bird 

Imbrie 



Jenny Lind 

Jock Scott 

Jungle Cock 

King of the Water 



Leadwing Coachman 
Lord Baltimore 



Magpie 

Maid of the Mill 
Magalloway 
March Brown . . 

Millers 

Montreal 



Nameless 

New Fly 

New Lake 

Nicholson 

No Name 

Orange Miller 

Parmachenee Bell . . 

Perch Fly 

Polka 

Portland 

Proctor Fly 

Professor 

Prouty 

Quack Doctor 

Quaker 

Queen of the Waters 

Raven 

Red Fox 



Red Hackle .... 

Red Ibis 

Red Spinner 
Reuben Wood . . 

Richardson 

Romeyn 

Royal Coachman 

Scarlet Ibis 

Seth Green 

Shain Fly , 

Silver Doctor 

Silver King 

Silver Lady 

Soldier Palmer . - 

Spider 

Stone Fly , 



The Owner . . 
Tim Pond . . . 
Tinseled Ibis 
Toodle Bug . 

Van Patton . 



Webster 

White Miller 

Widow 

Willow 

Willard Gray 
Wilson's Ant 



Yellow Bumble . 
Yellow Drake . . 
Yellow Fly 

Yellow May 

Yellow Moose . . 
Yellow Professor 
Yellow Sally .... 



243 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



List of Trout Flies mentioned under the headings of 
the following States are tabulated from data taken from 
Mary Orvis Marbury's book, entitled "Favorite Flies." 

Total Different 

Name of No. Flies Flies 

Number State Mentioned Mentioned 

i Maine 105 44 

2 New Hampshire and Ver- 

mont 36 22 

3 Massachusetts, Rhode Island 

and Connecticut 31 20 

4 New York 107 38 

5 New Jersey, Pennsylvania 

and Delaware 38 21 

6 Virginia and West Virginia. 37 17 

7 Michigan 36 18 

8 Minnesota and Wisconsin. . . 14 12 

9 Montana 24 15 

10 Colorado 29 15 

1 1 Washington 28 13 

12 California 25 21 

13 Oregon 43 27 

14 Wyoming 12 9 

15 Arizona 4 4 

16 Nevada 8 8 



244 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



Tabulation showing the most popular or "Favorite 
Fly" of all the States mentioned. 

Number Number 

of States in of times fly 

Name which the fly is mentioned 

Order of Flies is mentioned by anglers 

i Coachman 16 58 

2 Professor 14 38 ' 

3 Royal Coachman 13 19 

4 Black Gnat 12 25 

5 Brown Hackle 11 44 . 

6 White Miller 11 24 .- 

7 Montreal 9 28 - 

8 Cow Dung 9 18 

9 Grizzly King 8 23 

10 Scarlet Ibis 8 15 

11 Queen of the Waters 7 19 

12 Silver Doctor 5 18 . 

These twelve flies make an especially good assortment 
for use anywhere in the sixteen States mentioned. 

Classification of these flies for coloration 

Light Medium Dark 

(1) Coachman (2) Professor (4) Black Gnat 

(3) Royal Coach- (8) Cow Dung (5) Brown Hackle 

man (9) Grizzly King (7) Montreal 

(6) White Miller (10) Queen of the (10) Scarlet Ibis 

Waters (12) Silver Doctor 



245 



CHAPTER XVIII 
DRY-FLIES USED IN ENGLAND AND AMERICA 

Although there are a number of different patterns of 
dry-flies used in England, those in vogue and used by the 
greater number of good dry-fly men are the ones suggested 
by the dean of dry-fly fishermen, Frederic M. Halford. 

In America we have not as yet any one who fills just 
such a place in the dry-fly fishing world as does Mr. Hal- 
ford in England, because the application of the art in this 
country is not old enough, in the first place, and because 
the American method fundamentally differs from the 
English method in the second place. 

The difference between the English and American 
method being that with the former the angler only "fishes 
the rise," while with the latter he "fishes the stream"; in 
other respects the two methods are practically the same. 

The following pages give Frederic M. Halford's latest 
patterns of dry-flies, a list of dry-flies taken from George 
A. B. Dewar's book, entitled "The Book of the Dry-Fly," 
a list of dry-flies given by Emlyn M. Gill in his book, 
called "Practical Dry-Fly Fishing," and a list of dry-flies 
used in America : 

246 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



List of Dry- Flies 

Latest Patterns of Frederic M. Halford 

(The great English authority) 



I 


Green May-fly, 




2 


Brown May-fly, 




3 


Spent Gnat, 




4 


Olive Dun, 




5 


Dark-Olive Dun, 




6 


Olive Spinner, 




7 


Pale Watery Dun, 


-Male 


8 


Pale Watery Spinner, 


9 


Iron-blue Dun, 




IO 


Iron-blue Spinner 




ii 


Blue Winged Olive, 




12 


Sherry Spinner, 




13 


Black Gnat, 




H 


Welshman's Button, 




15 


Olive (red) Spinner, Female 


16 


Brown Ant 


i7 


Small Dark Sedge 


18 


Medium Sedge 


19 


Cinnamon Sedge 





247 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



List of dry-flies taken from George A. B. Dewar's 
book, entitled "The Book of the Dry-Fly": 





ENGLISH 


I 


May-fly (light) 


2 


Great Red Spinner 




(Imago of March-brown) 


3 


Grannom 


4 


Jenny Spinner 




(Imago of Iron-blue Dun) 


5 


Little May Dun 


6 


Red Spinner 




(Imago of Blue Dun) 


7 


Black Gnat 


8 


Blue Dun 


9 


Alder 


10 


Iron-blue Dun 


n 


Yellow Dun 


12 


May-fly (dark) 


13 


March-brown 



248 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



List of dry-flies taken from Emlyn M. Gill's book, en- 
titled "Practical Dry-Fly Fishing" : 

AMERICAN 

1 Whirling Dun 

2 Wickham's Fancy 

3 Pale Evening Dun 

4 Jenny Spinner 
(Hackle Fly) 

$ Willow Fly 
(Hackle Fly) 

6 Orange Fish Hawk 
(Hackle Fly) 

7 Olive Dun 

8 Soldier Palmer 
(Hackle Fly) 

9 Silver Sedge 
io Red Spinner 

1 1 White Miller 

12 Coachman 

13 Black Gnat 



249 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



List of Dry-Flies Used in America 



Apple Green 

Black Gnat 

Blue Quill 

Brown Sedge 

Beaverkill 

Cahill 

Coachman 

Cow Dung 

Flight's Fancy 

Grannom 

Governor 

Gordon 

Grizzly King 

Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear 

Ginger March Brown 

Ginger Quill 

Hare's Ear 

Iron Blue Quill 

Iron Blue Dun 

Jenny Spinner 

Little Yellow May 

Little Marryat 

Medium Olive Quill 

Medium Olive Dun 

March Brown 

Mole 

Orange Fishhawk 

Pale Olive Quill 

Pale Watery Quill 



Vr Pale Evening Dun 
Pink Lady 
Professor 
Parmachenee Bell 
Pink Wickhams 
Queen of the Waters 
Red Spinner 
Red Ant 
Red Quill 
Royal Coachman 
Red Tag 
Rube Wood 
Silver Sedge 
Soldier Palmer 
Whirling Blue Dun 
Whirling Dun 
White Miller 
Wickham's Fancy 
Willow 
Yellow Sally 
Welshman's Button 
Dark Sage 
Autumn Dun 
Alder 

Orange Sedge 
Needle Brown 
Orange Bumble 
Yellow Bumble 
Furnace 



250 



PLATE OF 10 POPULAR DRY FLIES USE.D BY ANGLERS 
IN THE UNITED STATES AND WHICH ARE OBTAINABLE 
AT ALMOST ANY GOOD TACKLE STORE 





BLACK GNAT 




SILVER SEDGE 




HARES EAR 




MARCH BROWN 




COACHMAN 




GREENWELL'S GLORY 





HOFLAND'S FANCY 




WICKHAM'S FANCY 



PALE EVENING DUN 



CHAPTER XIX 
LIST OF WET-FLIES 

The following list of wet-flies comprises the flies made 
by a number of fly manufacturers, many of them are car- 
ried in stock by tackle dealers, while others can only be 
had by giving a special order for them. 

Many of them are seldom used, and many of them are 
of little use, except in special waters, but to make the list 
fairly complete I have included them with flies that are 
used every day during the open season for trout. 



Abbey 


Ben Butler 


Adder 


Bissett 


Adirondack 


Bicknell 


Alder 


Black Gnat 


Allerton 


Black Ant 


Alexander, Geo. L. 


Black May 


Alexandria 


Black June 


Alice 


Black Prince 


Ashy 


Black Hackle 


Ash Fox 


Block House 


August Dun 


Blue Blow 


Autumn Dun 


Blue Bottle 




Blue Professor 


Baldwin 


Blue Upright 


Beaverkill 


Bostwick 


Ben Bent 


Bowman 



251 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



Brown Adder 


Cheney 


Brown Ant 


Chittenden 


Brown Drake 


Claret 


Brown Gnat 


Cinnamon 


Brown Hackle 


Cow Dung 


Brown Spinner 


Cody 


Brown Coffin 


Cabinet 


Brown Hen 


Coch-y Bonddu 


Brown Caughlan 


Curtis 


Bright Fox 


Caddis 


Bright Claret Gnat 


Critchley Fancy 


Blue Jay 




B. Pond 


Dark Stone 


Bee 


Dark Blue Dun 


Bumble Bee 


Dark Fox 


Bemis 


Dark Spider 


Babcock 


Dark Claret Gnat 


Brown Palmer 


Dark Stone 


Bishop 


Deer Fly 


Blue Dun 


Dave Holmes 


Bean's Fly 


Dr. Beatty 


Black Midge 


Dewey 


Barrington 


Dun-Spinner 


Brandreth 


Dorset 


Buck Tail 


Dusty Miller 




Dark Cow Dung 


Coachman 


Davidson Hackle 


Caldwell 


Donkey 


Camlet Dun 




Canada 


Egg 


Cahill 


Emerald Gnat 


Caparer 


Emerald Dun 


Carmen 


Ethel May 


Captain 


Esmeralda 


Captain Scott 


Epting Fly 


Carleton 


Equinox Gnat 


Carter H. 


English Pheasant 



252 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



Fern 
Ferguson 
Ferris 

Foetid Brown 
Fiery Brown 
Francis Fly 
Flight's Fancy 
Foetid Green 
Fin Fly 
Fire Fly 
Fox Hackle 
Findlay 

General Hooker 
Gray Drake 
Gray Caughlan 
Governor 
Great Barrington 
Greenwell's Glory 
Golden Spinner 
Golden Monkey 
Governor Alvord 
Ginger Hackle 
Gosling 
Gauze Wing 
Grannom 
Green Drake 
Great Dun 
Grizzly King 
Grizzly Dutchman 
Good Evening 
Gray Gnat 
Green Hackle 
Grizzly Hackle 
Gray Coffin 
Guinea Hen 
George Wood 



Gray Miller 
Gray Alder 
Gray Hackle 
Griffith 

Green and Gold 
Golden Pheasant 
Grasshopper 
Governor Russell 

Hare's Ear 

Hamlin 

Hamlin (Middle Dam) 

Hammond's Adopted 

Hawthorn 

Hod 

Hoskins 

Hofland's Fancy 

Hill Fly 

Humming Bird 

Imbrie 

Iron Blue Dun 

Indian Crow 

Jenny Lind (Blue) 

Jenny Lind (Lavender) 

Jenny Spinner 

Jewel 

Josephine 

Jock Scott 

Jungle Cock 

King of the Water 
Katy Did 
Kingdon 
Kingfisher 



253 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



Kitson 


Orange Miller 


Kineo 


Oak Fly 




Olive Gnat 


Lake Green 


Orange Gnat 


Lady of the Lake 


Orange Dun 


Laramie 


Orange Hackle 


Lady Sue 




Lady Martha 


Pale Evening Dun 


Lowry 


Parmachenee Bell 


Logan 


Parmachenee Beau 


Lord Baltimore 


Parker 


Leadwing Coachman 


Puffer 


Lake George 


Pheasant 


Lester 


Portland 


March Brown 


Poorman's Fly 

Polka 

Plum 


Marston's Fancy 


Magpie 
Major Pitcher 


Prime Gnat 


Mead Fly 
Montreal (Dark) 
Montreal (Light) 
Morrison 


Perch Fly 
Proctor Fly 
Professor 
Prouty 


McGinty 

Maid of the Mill 


Page Fly 
Preston 


Magalloway 

Marsters 


Queen of the Waters 


Moose Head 


Quaker 


Mosie Grub 


Quack Doctor 


Mill's No. i 






Raven 


Neversink 


Red Ant 


Number 68 


Red Ash 


Nameless 


Red Head 


New Fly 


Red Spinner 


New Lake 


Red Fox 


Nicholson 


Red Spider 


No Name 


Red Hackle 



254 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 



Reuben Wood 


Tinseled Ibis 


Romeyn 


Toodle Bug 


Ronald's Stone 




Red Ibis 


Van Patton 


Richardson 




Royal Coachman 


Wren Tail 




Wimbrel 


Sand Fly 


Wasp 


Seth Green 


Witch er 


Scarlet Ibis 


White Miller 


Soldier Palmer 


White Moth 


Shad Fly 


White Wings 


Shoemaker 


Widow 


Soldier 


Willow 


Soldier Moth 


Wickham's Fancy 


Sedge Fly 


Wilson's Ant 


Shain Fly 


Wyoming 


Soldier Gnat 


Woodcock 


St. Patrick 


Webster 


Southside 


Willard Gray 


Spider 


White Hackle 


Stone Fly 


Wren Fly 


Silver Black 


Widgeon 


Silver Horns 


Wood Duck 


Silver Doctor 


Western Bee 


Silver Spot 




Silver Dun 


Yankee 


Silver Nail 


Yellow Bumble 


Sunset 


Yellow Drake 


Stalkneck 


Yellow Fly 


Stebbins 


Yellow Moth 




Yellow Moose 


Thacher 


Yellow Professor 


Teal 


Yellow Sally 


Treehopper 


Yellow Coachman 


The Owner 


Yellow Hackle 


Tim Pond 


Yellow Montreal 



255 



CHAPTER XX 
MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS 



Subjects: 



i Rules of the road 

2 In relation to fly- rods 

3 In relation to reels 

4 In relation to lines 

5 In relation to leaders 

6 In relation to flies 

7 In relation to nets 

8 How to net a fish 

9 How to carry a set-up rod 
io How to kill trout 

ii How to clean trout 

12 How to prepare trout to carry or ship 

13 How to tell the weight of trout 

14 The strength of fly-rods 

15 About large trout 

16 Knots used in fly-fishing 

17 Angler's clothing 

This chapter, devoted to matters about which every be- 
ginner ought to know, is written with the hope that what 
is said will be of some lasting interest to them, not only as 
tyros, but later, perhaps, as experienced fly fishermen. 

256 



PLATE OF THE 12 MOST POPULAR WET FLIES USED BY ANGLERS 
IN THE UNITED STATES; DATA TAKEN FROM MARY ORVIS MARBURY'S 
BOOK ENTITLED "FAVORITE FLIES" 



LIGHT 
COLORED FLIES 



MEDIUM 
COLORED FLIES 



DARK 
COLORED FLIES 




(11 COACHMAN 




(3) ROYAL COACHMAN 




(6) WHITE MILLER 




(2) PROFESSOR 




(8) COWDUNG 




(9) GRIZZLY KING 




t11) QUEEN OF THE WATERS 



NOTE: 

THE NUMBER GIVES THE ORDER 
OF POPULARITY 




I5) BROWN HACKLE 




(7) MONTREAL 




(10J SCARLET IBIS 




(12) SILVER DOCTOR 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

Rules of the Road: 

There are certain unwritten rules governing the ac- 
tions of anglers that every true sportsman should observe, 
and they are called "the rules of the road." 

When in a boat or canoe never go through good fish- 
ing water where an angler is fishing. Go around it. 

Never fish any water within casting distance of another 
angler, unless invited to do so. 

Never disturb any fishing water more than is abso- 
lutely necessary. Remember that other anglers are likely 
to take your place when you move along. 

Before passing an angler who is on a stream, fishing 
from a boat or canoe, notify him of your intention to pass, 
and apologize for so doing, and pass as close to the an- 
gler's boat as possible, so as not to disturb his fishing 
water more than is necessary. 

When through fishing on a small stream or brook, do 
not tramp along the banks like a longshoreman going 
home from work. Remember some other angler may be 
following after you, who likewise enjoys the sport of fish- 
ing, and trout are more scared by vibrations set up by a 
pounding walker than almost anything else. 

Courtesy, good nature, fair-mindedness and a kindly 
spirit should be the universal attitude between sportsmen 
at all times. 

In Relation to Fly-Rods: 

Never set up a rod in a hurry; do it deliberately and 
carefully, and you will find it is time well invested. 

257 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

When taking down a rod never twist the joints; always 
separate them with a straight pull, since, in this way, you 
will not wring or injure the rod. 

Do not take down a rod any oftener than is really 
necessary when on a fishing trip. No advantage is gained 
by so doing. 

A rod should always be wiped after using, irrespective 
of whether or not it is wet, and it should be thoroughly 
done. 

Never stand a rod upright so as to bend the tip, but 
place it when possible in a horizontal position on rests 
that are about eighteen or twenty inches apart. 

When rods are taken down, the ferrules should be 
wiped with an oily rag, but care should be taken that no 
free oil is left after so doing. 

As more fly-rods are injured when being taken down 
or disjointed than any other way, especially when they 
are very tightly set, I suggest that it be done by two persons 
facing each other. Both should place a hand on the rod 
each side of the joint, then by each pulling with one hand 
and pushing with the other, doing so steadily (not jerk- 
ing), the rod will quickly be disjointed and without in- 
jury. 

In Relation to Reels: 

Reels should be kept clean and well oiled, but no oil 
should be allowed to creep to the exposed surface of any 
part of the reel. 

258 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

When reeling or unreeling a line, other than when 
fishing, it should be done with the click of the reel off. 
The reel will last longer if this is observed. 

In Relation to Lines: 

Be careful never to step on or kink an enameled line, 
for it will ruin it at such places. 

Lines that have become wet should be stripped off 
the reel and dried to keep them in good condition. 

Test a line every now and then to see that the leader 
end has not lost any of its strength due to usage ; if it has, 
cut off a sufficient length, a foot or two, to make it safe for 
future fishing. 

Occasionally wipe the line thoroughly with a rag that 
has been soaked in melted deer fat. After doing so, wipe 
the line again with a clean, soft cotton rag to remove all 
excess of fat. This treatment will not only clean the line 
but will keep the enameling pliable and in good condition. 

In Relation to Leaders: 

Leaders should always be well soaked before using. 

A leader should always be tested with the hands be- 
fore using, even if it is a new one. This is a wise precau- 
tion. 

Never fish with a frayed leader, unless it is the only 
one you have at hand. The inevitable always happens. 

Everything else being equal, the strength of a leader 
depends upon its length. The longer the leader the less 
the strength. 

259 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

In Relation to Flies: 

Flies should have the same colored snells as the leader 
to be used with them. This is most important. 

Everything considered, mist is the best color for gut 
used for the snells of flies. 

After fishing, examine your used flies to see that they 
are fit for future use, also to see if the snells are sound. 

Always keep the snells of flies straight. 

Test the snells of flies before using them by holding 
the hook in one hand and the loop of the snell in the other, 
then give two or three sharp, quick jerks. If the snell 
starts ever so little, discard the fly as useless. Otherwise 
it is all right to use. 

When putting flies away after the open season do so 
by placing them in a moth-proof box or case, where the 
temperature will not be over sixty degrees during the win- 
ter months. 

In Relation to Nets: 

Examine your net carefully the first time it is taken 
out at the beginning of the open season to see that it is in 
good condition, and then examine it from time to time to 
see that it remains so. 

Do not use too small a net for the size fish you ex- 
pect to catch. Be governed by the largest, not the smallest, 
fish caught in the waters you are fishing. 

Deep nets, with a fine mesh, made of linen twine, are 
the ones most reliable, and wear the longest. On that 
account they are the best. 

260 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

How to Net a Fish: 

There is but one correct way to net a fish, and that 
is head-on. 

The net should first be thoroughly wet before attempt- 
ing to net a fish, and this should be done, if in a boat or 
canoe, on the side opposite to the one the fish is being 
played. 

Never dive or scoop for a fish with the net when trying 
to land him. Have the net entirely under the surface of 
the water, and as the fish is brought toward the net, raise 
the net slightly at the handle end, so that the fish can enter 
it head-on. 

Do not try to net any fish before it is ready, and it has 
been sufficiently worked so as to be under absolute con- 
trol, otherwise you are liable to lose it. 

Be very careful not to touch the fish with the metal 
ring holding the net, because more fish are lost this way 
than any other. 

How to Carry a Set-Up Rod: 

First wind the line and leader around the rod from 
tip of rod to reel seat with turns 8 to 10 inches long, then 
slip the point of the hook under the reel ring of the reel 
seat. The rod is now as safe to carry as it can well be 
made. 

When traveling over an open country, such as fields 
and roads, carry the rod with the tip end in front of you. 
At such times hold the rod at a balancing point that will 

261 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

bring the tip about the height of the head. With the rod 
in this position there is no danger of injuring the tip. 

When traveling through brush, grown-up wood 
roads or trails, always carry the rod with the tip end be- 
hind you, holding the rod as near a horizontal position as 
possible. 

In case of a fall, always throw the rod from and in 
front of you, if carrying it in front; and when carrying 
it to the back of you, just drop it or throw it to one side. 
I have never known of a rod being injured when handled 
in this way. 

How to Kill Trout: 

Make a point to kill your fish immediately it is caught 
if you intend to keep it, otherwise return it at once to the 
water. 

It is a very easy matter to kill a trout if struck in the 
right place, which is on the head between the eyes, and un- 
less it is a large fish no great amount of force is necessary. 
Almost any trout weighing half a pound or under can be 
killed by snapping the right place on the head with the 
middle finger. Larger trout can be killed by striking the 
head with a hunting knife or a fair-sized pocket knife. 
Very large trout must be struck with greater force, or 
the point of a knife can be inserted at the spot between 
the eyes, which will accomplish the same thing, and will 
not disfigure the fish. 

For killing fish when wading a stream, it is convenient 
to carry a small round piece of hard wood, billy-shaped, 

262 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

attached to a string, which can be tied to your coat, or it 
can be carried in the pocket of your coat. 

When fishing from a boat or canoe, a fish can be killed 
by striking the head on the gunwale, but this is not as good 
a way as using the piece of hard wood. 

If in a position where you have nothing with which to 
strike the fish, insert your thumb in its mouth, then bend 
the head backward and break its neck. 

How to Clean Trout: 

Insert the point of a knife in the anus opening, 
which is just ahead of the anal fin, and cut the belly of the 
fish straight up to the jawbone. 

It is an easy matter then to remove the entrails by grasp- 
ing them near the head and pulling forward. 

If the trout weighs a pound or less, the gills will be 
removed without any further cutting. If, however, it is a 
large fish, cut the gills at the two places where they are 
attached to the head. 

Having removed the entrails, then run your knife the 
entire length of the backbone on the inside of the fish, cut- 
ting the membrane over the coagulated or venous blood, 
which always accumulates along this bone. Now thor- 
oughly wash out the blood, scraping the backbone with 
your thumb to be sure all the blood is removed. When 
this operation is completed the fish is properly dressed, 
and will keep fresh for a considerable time if kept in a 
cold place. 

No trout should ever be placed directly upon the ice. 

263 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

To do so will soften the flesh and take away much of the 
flavor. Besides they will not keep as long. Hence, first 
place the trout on a platter and then on the ice, and they 
will remain in fine condition. 

How to Prepare Trout to Carry or Ship: 

When trout are to be transported by hand or otherwise, 
I have found, to have them arrive at their destination in 
good condition, the following method of packing them 
produces the best results. 

First, wipe the trout carefully and place a little salt 
along the entire length of the backbone on the inside; 
second, roll the fish in a cold moist strip of old cotton 
cloth, which is wider by a few inches than the longest fish. 
Each trout should be handled separately, and the cotton 
strip so placed around each fish that the flesh of one fish 
cannot come in contact with any other fish. If there are 
a number of fish to pack, use a number of strips and make 
several rolls, then do each roll up separately in three thick- 
nesses of paper. Each roll should be tied securely, then 
as many rolls as desired can be tied into one large package. 

Trout packed in this way will remain in good edible 
condition for a long time, even when the weather is quite 
warm. I have shipped trout so packed that have been 
four days in transit, and they were in fine condition when 
removed from the package on reaching their destination. 

When going off on a fishing trip, I always take with 
me an old cotton sheet, from which to get the strips for 
packing. The strips should be soaked for some little 

264 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

time in ice or cold spring water before using, and then 
wrung out so as not to leave any free water in them. 

This method of packing trout almost entirely excludes 
the air, keeps the fish moist and cool, keeps the natural 
moisture of the fish in the fish, which prevents their dry- 
ing, and the separating of the fish by the cotton strips pre- 
vents any fermentation taking place for a considerable 
length of time. 

How to Tell the Weight of Trout by Their Length: 

The following tabulation has been taken from Henry 
P. Wells' book, " Fly-Rods and Fly-Tackle," and is given 
here because I have found the figures to be most reliable : 

9 inch trout weigh % pound 



nM 


tt it 


" X 


tt 


13 


a tt 


Va 


tt 


14 


it a 


" I 


tt 


15 


it it 


" Itf 


pounds 


16 


tt tt 


" iH 


tt 


17 


tt a 


" 2}i 


tt 


18 


u (i 


" 2y 2 


a 


19 


tt a 


" 3 


it 


20 


a a 


" 3/ 2 


tt 


21 


a u 


" 4 


tt 


22 


ii a 


" \ Z A 


tt 


223^ 


a a 


" s l A 


tt 


23^ 


a it 


" 6 


it 


2414 


a a 


" 7 


tt 



The weights for length are very nearly correct, and, as 
a general proposition, will be found not to vary more than 

265 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

one-half to one ounce from actual weight, the greatest 
variation being with the larger fish. 

There is one exception, however, that must be made 
to which these figures do not apply, namely, to "Racers." 

"Racers" are trout that are very thin (shad-like) and 
long, and this condition in most cases is due to old age; 
but such trout are not often caught on the fly. 

I once caught a "Racer" (September, 1907) that meas- 
ured 2834 inches in length and 8 inches in depth, and 
weighed, one hour after landing, 5>4 pounds. 

It took one hour and ten minutes to net this trout, 
which was hooked in the pool at the head of Dodge Pond, 
and landed in the middle of the pond over one mile away 
from the pool. Dodge Pond empties into Rangeley Lake 
at Hunter's Cove, which is about one-quarter mile away. 

Had the "Racer" been a trout in good condition it 
would have weighed at least ten pounds. 

The Strength of Fly-Rods: 

In the chapter on "The Rod" you will find that I have 
stated, when referring to the maximum strain of a rod, as 
follows: "By maximum strain in Pounds-Pull is meant 
the dead weight which rods will stand without injury in 
an emergency." 

For some reason the average beginner, as well as many 
semi-experienced and not a few experienced fly-fishermen, 
have little real knowledge about the strength of fly-rods. 

On this account it may be of interest for them to know 
some facts in relation to their strength. 

266 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

The ultimate breaking strength of any fly-rod is rep- 
resented by the pounds-strain that is placed upon it which 
will cause it to fracture or break. 

The maximum safe strain in pounds-pull is repre- 
sented by the pounds-strain that can be placed upon any 
fly-rod, which strain when removed, allows the rod to at 
once return to its straight or normal position without hav- 
ing received any injury from the applied strain. 

Between the ultimate breaking point and the maxi- 
mum safe-strain point there is quite a margin; but this 
margin is of little avail to the angler, because when a rod 
is subjected to a strain that exceeds the maximum safe 
strain the elastic limit of the rod is passed, which results 
in putting a permanent set or bend in the rod. 

It is on this account that the maximum safe strain 
(pounds-pull) that an angler's rod will stand without in- 
jury should necessarily be of great interest to him if he 
has a good rod and is desirous of keeping it in serviceable 
condition. 

The best split bamboo fly-rod ever made that was ten 
feet in length and weighed six ounces, never had a maxi- 
mum safe strength of over one and one-half pounds. 

This statement will no doubt sound strange to some, 
nevertheless it is true, and to any angler who believes 
otherwise, I suggest that he take his own fly-rod and with 
great care, so as not to injure the rod, see to what a degree 
the rod will bend in trying to lift a one-half pound weight 
clear of the ground. 

In making this experiment or test be sure to set up 

267 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

the rod with great care, having the guides in proper align- 
ment. Then attach the reel and pass the line through the 
guides running off about four or five feet of line, after- 
ward secure the line at the reel so that it cannot pay out. 
Having done this attach to the free end of the line a one- 
quarter pound weight, as a starter, and lift it with the rod 
held as in the act of fishing and observe the bend of the 
rod. 

After having made this test try a one-half pound weight 
and again observe the bend of the rod when the weight is 
lifted clear. Continue increasing the weight, if by this 
time you are not satisfied, until a pound weight has been 
tried, but do not try any greater weight, that is, if you 
value your rod. 

By the time these tests have been completed, or if they 
remain uncompleted, you probably will have changed 
your views about the safe strength of fly-rods. 

About Large Trout: 

My experience has been that large trout, by which is 
meant trout that weigh three pounds and over, are seldom 
caught in water that is over eight feet in depth, and this 
is exceptionally the case throughout the entire Rangeley 
region. 

Large trout are more easily played and landed when 
caught on small hooks, 8, 10 and 12 in size (preferably the 
two smaller sizes), than when caught on larger ones. 

This is because the bend of the small hook is usually 
completely filled when set in the mouth of the fish, while 

268 



*SAM KJVOT 



PLATE. D 





TILLER. HITCH 





JAM KNOT AND TILLER HITCH KNOT 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

with the larger hooks this same condition does not exist, 
and therefore the barb of the hook often wears out the 
hold, especially if the trout puts up a good fight. 

Anglers, as a rule, have such a desire to land large 
trout that they play them far too hard, place far too much 
strain upon the rod, line and leader, and try to net them 
long before they should, with the result that many more 
large trout are lost than are landed. 

Beginners especially should try to remember this, for 
it will help them materially when they have succeeded in 
hooking a large trout, and they should also remember that 
every trout that is hooked should be played, with the idea 
strongly fixed in the mind that it is lightly hooked, until 
it has been proved otherwise, and even then the wise an- 
gler will never force his fish unless it is in danger from 
some snag. 

Naturally, when fishing for large trout, some days are 
better fishing days than others, and the best days are those 
when the trout are feeding, no matter what the weather 
and water conditions may be at the time. 

The ideal day for fishing for large trout is when the 
sky is overcast, with a fairly strong ripple on the water, 
the wind, however, not so strong as to prevent casting 
with ease in any direction, and when the temperature of 
the water is not over 45 to 48 degrees Fahrenheit. 

It is at such times the angler expects, and rightly so, 
to find large trout feeding, and in the large majority of 
cases his expectations are realized; but as to his hooking 
a large trout, that "is another question." 

269 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

Knots Used in Fly-Fishing: 

There are a large number of different knots used by 
anglers for joining eyed hooks to snells and leaders, lines 
to leaders and in making leaders and leader loops. 

It is not necessary, however, for the angler to devote 
any time in learning how to tie a large number of knots, 
because a few good knots, if well made, will answer every 
purpose and give satisfactory results. 

Having used and experimented for many years with 
the various knots employed in fly-fishing, I have finally 
reached the conclusion that there are only four knots it is 
necessary for the angler to know how to make, and they 
are: the "Turle Knot," the "Jam Knot," the "Tiller-hitch 
Knot," and the "Single Hitch" or "Single Surgeon's 
Knot." 

The "Turle Knot," in my opinion, is by all odds the 
best and only knot to use for attaching the dry-fly to the 
leader, and the "Jam Knot" for attaching the wet-fly to a 
snell or a line to a leader, provided a hard knot is what the 
angler wishes to use. On the other hand, if the angler 
desires to use a knot that can quickly be untied, then there 
is no better knot than the "Tiller-hitch Knot" for attach- 
ing the line to the leader. 

The "Single Hitch" or "Single Surgeon's Knot" I 
have always found to be strong, reliable, and to an- 
swer every purpose in tying leaders of all descrip- 
tions, and it has the decided advantage of being a small 
knot. 

270 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

Angler s Clothing: 

As to the matter of clothing a fly fisherman should 
wear, and how much of an outfit he should have, this is 
something that, in my opinion, must be determined by 
each angler for himself, because he alone knows what his 
physical requirements are for hot or cold weather and how 
he can best meet them. 

For use in stream fishing when wading one can choose : 

Rubber trousers with heavy leather soles. 

Rubber trousers with stocking feet to be worn with woolen 
stockings outside and wading shoes. 

Rubber stockings with heavy leather soles. 

Rubber stockings to be worn with woolen stockings outside 
and wading shoes. 

Rubber boots, hip-length with belt. 

Rubber boots, three-quarter length without belt. 

Rubber or rubber and canvas wading shoes. 

Whatever selection of footwear is made, always wear woolen 
stockings. 

For use in stream fishing when fishing from banks : 

Low moccasins, high moccasins or long-leg moccasin boots, 
leather shoes, long-leg leather boots, canvas shoes or canvas boots. 

In bank fishing, one can wear almost any kind of boot 
or shoe, and it is a fine time to finish any partially-worn 
footwear one happens to have on hand and does not know 
what to do with. 

For use in boats and canoes when fishing : 

Moccasins or canvas shoes with rubber soles, but any kind of 
footwear can be worn; in canoes, however, leather boots or shoes 
are out of place. 

271 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

Shirts: 

Any kind of shirt will do, but for continuous wear flannel 
shirts are the best, all things considered. 

Coats: 

Coats made especially for fishing can be had which are made 
up from many different kinds of material, such as: 

Khaki, Canvas, Corduroy, Leather, Wool, and other 
kinds of goods. 

Vests: 

Vests can be made of the same material as the coat, or other- 
wise, as fancy dictates. 

Trousers: 

Trousers can be made of the same material as the coats, ex- 
cept leather, and made either short or long. 

Hats or Caps: 

Any kind of a hat or cap, made from almost any kind of ma- 
terial, will fill the bill. 

In addition to the articles mentioned, all anglers who 
do much fly-fishing should have a good sweater and rub- 
ber cape with arms or a rubber coat, and they should be of 
ample size for comfort when casting. 

While I have dwelt almost entirely upon the practical 
and somewhat scientific side of trout fly-fishing, I am 
nevertheless desirous that my readers should realize the 
many pleasures and benefits that necessarily must be asso- 

272 



FOR ATTACHING LEADER. TO FLY 
*JA.-M KNOT 




PLATE E 







J^ 



FIG. 3 



TURLE KNOT 




JAM KNOT AND TURLE KNOT 



TROUT FLY-FISHING IN AMERICA 

dated with the sport, especially if the angler has the true 
spirit of Izaak Walton, the Master Angler of years ago. 

Of all sport, I know of none that seems to develop in 
the individual such a kindly spirit, such a full apprecia- 
tion of all living things, and such an absorbing love for 
the many and varied charms of "the open" as fly-fishing. 

It matters little where one fishes for the "speckled 
beauty," for Nature always supplies in one form or an- 
other surroundings which are interesting, instructive, 
ever-changing and beautiful, and the wonderful part of 
it all is that no two places are alike or have the same at- 
tractive features. 

Fly-fishing is not only a real, artistic and scientific 
sport, but it is a true panacea for "tired nerves," and its 
application offers a most wonderful opportunity to recu- 
perate, among surroundings which are at the same time 
healthful, beautiful and peaceful. 

I have not touched upon the many charms of the lakes 
and streams it has been my good fortune and privilege to 
fish, year after year, because other writers have done so 
much to bring the beauties of the country to the public 
notice; and also because this book was written with the 
view of giving to the young anglers, as well as older ones, 
some ideas about trout fly-fishing that might benefit them, 
and with the hope of arousing in them and others a greater 
enthusiasm for the clean, healthful, dignified and delight- 
ful pastime. 



273 



GLOSSARY 

A CAST. A leader with one or more flies attached. 

A Disciple. A follower of some method or person. 

A Dropper-Fly. A fly that is attached to a loop on a leader 
other than the end loop. 

A Pricked Fish. One that has not been hooked, but has felt the 
point of the hook when struck. 

A RACER. An unusually long and very thin fish. 

A Rise. A fish coming to the surface of the water, or nearly so. 

A Strike. A fish taking a fly. 

A Sulking Fish. A fish, after being hooked, that goes to the 
bottom and remains nearly motionless. 

An End-Fly. The fly that is attached to an end loop of a leader. 

An Eyed- Fly. A fly having only an eye to which the leader or 
snell can be attached. 

Break Water. When a fish jumps out of the water it is said to 
"break water." 

CAUGHT Foul. A fish hooked otherwise than in the mouth. 

Dry-Fly Purist. The dry-fly angler who observes all the set 
rules of dry-fly fishing to a nicety. 

FISHING "Up-Stream." Fishing against the current. 

Fishing "Across Stream." Fishing at right angles to the stream. 

275 



GLOSSARY 

Fishing "Down Stream." Fishing with the current. 

Giving the Butt. Putting a heavy strain on a hooked fish, thus 
bending the tip toward the butt of the rod. 

Fish Sense. A peculiar gift possessed by some anglers by which 
they know about fish and their ways without reasoning. 

Hammer the Water. When casting to strike the water hard 
with the line, leader and fly. 

Hung Up. An expression used when in casting, the fly, leader, or 
line, becomes caught in any way. 

JIGGING. When a fish shakes its head repeatedly from side to side. 

Large Fly. A fly tied on a Number 4 or larger hook. 

Light Hold. A fish that is lightly hooked. 

Medium Fly. A fly tied on a Number 6 and 8 hook. 

Over-run Line, or Over-shot Line. A line that has been un- 
wound rapidly on the reel and on that account has become 
tangled. 

Paying Out a Line. Giving line to a hooked fish when making 
a rush or pulling hard. 

Powerful Rod. One that is stiff and well balanced. 

Resilient Rod. A rod that has the element of resilience; the 
power to spring back to its original or natural position after 
being bent. 

Retrieving a Line. Taking in a line either by hand or by the 
reel. 

SLACK Line. A line that is not taut, one that is loose, not tight. 

Small Fly. A fly tied on a Number 10, 12, 14 and 16 hook. 

SNELL OR Snod. The silkworm gut that is attached to a fly. 

276 



GLOSSARY 

Snelled Fly. A fly having a snell attached. 

Soft Rod. One that is very willowy, flexible or bending. 

Stiff Rod. One that is not easily bent. 

Strike from the Hand. Striking a fish with the line held in the 
hand with no pull coming on the reel. 

Strike from the Reel. Striking a fish with the line pulling di- 
rectly on the reel. 

The Code. The rules and regulations for the application of dry- 
fly fishing. 

Well-hooked. A fish that is securely hooked. 



277 



INDEX 



American Arctic Trout, io. 
American Dry-Flies, 250, 251. 
American Saibling, 8. 
American Wet-Flies, 246-252, 253- 

256. 
Androscoggin River, 218, 219. 
Arctic Trout, 10. 
Author's Classification of North 

American Trout, 8, 9, 11, 12. 
Arizona, 

Favorite wet-flies, 242. 



B 



Beardslee Trout, The 

Classification, 11. 

Habitat, 23. 

Size, 23. 
Black Spotted Trout, The 

Classification, 7, 9. 
Blue Back Trout, The 

(See Rangeley Trout.) 
Blue Back Trout of Lake Cres- 
cent (Wash.), The 

Classification, 6, II. 
Brook Trout, The 

Activity in May, June and September, 
128. 

Best temperature for, 73, 74. 

Blindness of, 134, 13s, 136. 

Classification of, 5, 8, 12. 

Difference between Brown and, 73, 
74- 



Effect of environment on, 124, 125, 

126, 129, 136. 
Extermination of, 1. 
Feeding time of, 123, 132, 184, 185. 
Food of, 125, 127, 128, 129, 136, 153, 

155, 156. 
Gaminess of, 15. 
Habitat, 14, 177. 
Habits of, 123, 132, 184, 185. 
How to clean, 264, 265. 
How to kill, 263, 264. 
How to prepare and transport, 265, 

266. 
How to tell weight from length, 266. 
In southern streams, 15. 
Marine and migratory habits, 15. 
Markings of, 5. 
Northern limits of, 14. 
Propagation in western waters, 5. 
"Racers," 267. 
Rapid growth of, 15. 
Ready rise to artificial fly, 15, 128. 
"Rolling" of, 131, 132, 223. 
Size of, 14., 
Teeth of, 5. 
Transplantation of, 4. 
Weight of, 15, 222, 223. 
Brown Trout, The 
Characteristics of, 37. 
Classification of, 8, 9, 12. 
Color of, 37. 
Differences between Brook and, 73, 

74- 
English, The, 38. 
Feeding time of, 124, 127. 
Habitat, 37. 



279 



INDEX 



Hardiness, 38. 

Importation of, 37. 

Markings of, 5. 

Propagation in western waters, 5. 

Striking from reel when fishing for, 

189. 
Suitable temperature for, 73, 74. 
Transplantation of, 37. 
Bull Trout 
Classification, 8. 



California 

Favorite wet-flies, 239. 
Camp, Samuel G. 

On fishing the fly, 90, 91. 

"The Fine Art of Fishing," 57. 
Canada 

Red trout of, 18. 

Size of trout along coasts of, 15. 
Casting, Fly 

Backward cast, 171, 173, 174. 

Control of line in, 174. 

Curvature, of rod in, 175. 

Differences in methods, 60. 

"Expert casters," 201, 202, 203. 

Fly Caster versus Fly Fisherman, 201, 
202. 

Forward cast, 171, 173, 174. 

La Branche, Mr., on accuracy, 50.. 

"Nerves" in, 92. 

Overhead casting, 170. 

Primarily a mechanical art, 88. 

Requirements in, 47. 

Short, medium and long casts, 175, 
176. 

Switch cast, 70. 

Tournament casting, 47. 

Underhand cast, 170. 

Upstream casting, 178. 

Wing or horizontal cast, 170. 



Charr 

Characteristics of, 13, 14. 

Classification of, 5. 

Markings of, 5. 

Teeth of, 5. 

(For other particulars refer to Brook 
Trout.) 
Colorado 

Favorite wet-flies, 237. 
Colorado River Trout 

Characteristics, 29, 30. 

Classification, 7, 12. 

Habitat, 29. 
Coloration of Brook Trout 

Abnormal coloration, 137. 

Changed coloration due to water con- 
ditions,, 137. 

Degrees and varieties of pigmentation, 

133, 134, 142. 

Factors and elements in, 138. 

Four degrees of coloration, 133, 

134- 
Harris, Mr. Wm. C, on coloration, 

134. 135. 

Influence of water bottoms on, 140, 
141, 143, 144, 145, 146, 153, 154. 
156. 

Position of pigment cells, 140. 
Columbia River Trout 

Characteristics, 34. 

Classification, 7, 12. 

Habitat, 33, 34. 
Connecticut 

Favorite wet-flies, 230. 
Crescent Trout 

Classification, 10. 



D 



Dame., Stoddard Co.., Boston, Mass. 
Data concerning balance of fly-rods, 
109. 



280 



INDEX 



Delaware 

Favorite wet-flies, 232. 

English origin of, 44. 

Especially-made flies, 48. 

False casting in, 54. 

Favorite dry-flies (American), 250, 
251. 

Favorite dry-flies (English), 248, 249. 

Fly, The, 54- 

Halford, Frederick M., list of Eng- 
lish dry-flies, 248, 249., 

Leaders used in, 54. 

Lines used in, 54, 112. 

Physical conditions in, 64. 

Requirements in, 48, 176. 

Restrictions in, 65. 

Skill required in use, 59. 

Tapered lines in, 112. 
Dewar, Geo. A. B. 

"The Book of the Dry-fly," 71, 72. 

List of dry-flies, 249. 
Dolly Varden Trout, The 

(See Malma, Trout.) 
Dry-Fly Method of Fly-Fishing 

Casting, 54. 

Comparison between wet and, 60, 61, 
62, 67, 68. 

Comparison of both methods by G. A. 
B. Dewar, 71. 

Defended by exponents, 42. 

Drag, the, 55. 

Elimination of playing fly in, 55. 
Dublin Pond Trout, The 

Classification, 5, 9. 

Length, 16. 

Markings, 16. 



English Brown Trout, The 
(See Brown Trout.) 



Eyesight of Trout, The 

Color-blindness disputed, 163, 164. 

Coloration of fly, 192. 

Differences between eye of man and 

trout, 157, 158. 
Harris, Wm. C, on the, 163. 
Henshall, Dr. James A., on the, 163. 
In lakes and deep streams, 160. 
Normal eyesight in June, 160, 186. 
Poorest eyesight in Spring, 161, 186. 
Testing sight with Nos. 10 and 12 

flies, 161. 
Testing sight with Nos. 4 and 6 flies, 

161. 
Wide range of vision, 178. 



Field and Stream 

"Trying-out" wet and dry-fly meth- 
ods, 67. 
Floeberg Trout, The 

Classification, 10. 

Habitat, 20. 
Fly, The 

Brook trout rising to, 74. 

Brown trout rising to, 74. 

Care of, 261. 

Color classification of, 199. 

Color of flies to use at different peri- 
ods of day, 197, 198. 

Cost of flies, 36. 

Dark and light colored flies, 191-199. 

Fishing the fly, 118, 181, 182, 183. 

Fly-book, 93. 

Fly-box, 93. 

List of favorite wet-flies, 246-252, 
252-256. 

List of favorite dry-flies (American), 
250, 251. 

List of favorite dry-flies (English), 
248, 249. 



28] 



INDEX 



List of favorite wet-flies in 

Arizona,i 242. 

California, 239. 

Colorado, 237. 

Connecticut, 230. 

Delaware, 232. 

Maine, 228. 

Massachusetts, 230. 

Michigan, 234. 

Minnesota, 235. 

Montana, 236. 

Nevada, 242. 

New Hampshire, 229. 

New Jersey, 232. 

New York, 231. 

Oregon, 240. 

Pennsylvania, 232. 

Rhode Island, 230. 

Virginia and W. Virginia, 233. 

Vermont, 229. 

Washington, 238. 

Wisconsin, 235. 

Wyoming, 241. 
Method of playing, 118, 182, 183, 

188. 
Number of flies to be used, 120, 182. 
Size of fly, 182, 269, 270. 
"Snapping" the fly, 174. 
"Sodden" or "Sunken" flies, 51, 52, 

68. 
Weather conditions affecting choice of 

flies, 192. 



Golden Trout, The 

Characteristics, 35. 

Classification, 8, 9, 12. 

Coloration, 38. 

Game qualities, 35. 
Golden Trout of Mount Whitney 

Classification of, 7, 11. 
Golden Trout of Soda Creek 

Classification, 7, 11. 

Habitat, 36. 
Golden Trout of South Fork, 
Kern River 

Classification, 11. 

Habitat, 36. 
Golden Trout of Volcano Creek 

Classification, 7, 11. 

Habitat, 36. 
Gray Trout, The 

(See Dublin Pond Trout.) 
Great Basin of Utah Trout 

(See Utah Lake Trout.) 
Great Lake Trout, The 

Classification, 6, 9, 10, 12. 
(See Lake Trout.) 
Green-Back Trout, The 

Classification, 7, 12. 

Habitat, 31. 

Characteristics, 32. 
Greenland Trout, The 

Classification, 6, 10. 

Habitat, 20. 

Size, 20. 



H 



Gaffing, 223. 
German Trout, The 

(See Brown Trout.) 
Gill, Mr. Emlyn M. 

"Practical Dry-fly Fishing," 59, 66, 
67, 68, 69. 

List of American dry-flies, 250. 



Halford, Mr. Frederick M. 

List of works, 451. 

List of favorite English dry-flies, 248. 

On force of strike, 189. 

On striking from reel, 189. 
Harris, Mr. Wm. C. 

Brook trout coloration, 134, 135. 



282 



INDEX 



Hearing of trout, i68, 169. 
Sight of trout, 163. 
Hearing of Trout 

Concussion affecting, 166, 167, 168, 

169. 
Delicate construction of internal ear, 

166, 168. 
Harris, Wm. C, on acuteness of 

hearing, 163, 168, 169. 
Water as a medium, 166. 
Henshall, Dr. James A. 
Eyesight of trout, 163, 164. 
Functions of the fly-rod, 76-84. 



Ichthyologists' Classification of 
Native Trout, 5-8. 



Kamloops Trout, The 

Classification of, 6, 10. 

Coloring, 23. 

Habitat, 23. 
Kern River Trout, The 

Classification, 7. 

Habitat, 36. 
Knots 

Attaching flies to leader, 98. 

Tying end and dropper loops on 
leader, 212. 

Tying leaders to line, 97, 98. 

Used in fly-fishing, 271. 

Used in making leaders, 210, 211. 



Lac De Marbre Trout, The 

Classification, 6, 10. 

Habitat, 18. 
Lake Trout of Lake Superior, The 

Characteristics, 39. 



Classification, 6, 10. 

Habitat, 24. 
Lake Tahoe Trout, The 

Classification, 8. 

Habitat, 34. 

Markings, 34. 
Lake Trout, The 

Classification, 9. 

Great size of, 39. 

Habitat, 39. 
Loch Leven Trout, The 

(See Brown Trout.) 
Long Headed Trout of Lake Cres- 
cent (Wash.), The 

Classification, 6, 11. 

Habitat, 20. 
Long Finned Trout, The 

Classification, 6, 10. 
Lower California Rainbow Trout, 
The 

Classification, 7, 11. 

Habitat, 26. 

Small size, 26. 
La Branche, Mr. George M. 

On the functions of the rod, 76-87. 

"The Dry-fly in America," 50. 
Landing Net 

Best kind of, 261. 

Care of, 261. 

Cost of, 93. 

Use in preference to gaff, 223. 
Leader 

Attaching leader to line, 97. 

Best color for, 113, 117, 118. 

Care of, 216, 217, 260. 

Coloring of, 214. 

Cost of, 93. 

Cost of leader box, 93. 

Deerfat used for drying, 54. 

Drying, 213. 

Gossamer leaders, 204. 

Grades of, 112, 117. 

How to attach flies to, 98. 



283 



INDEX 



How, to handle gut in making lead- 
ers, 210. 

Knots used in tying flies to, 98. 

Knots used in tying leader to line, 97. 

Length of leaders, 113, 117, 118. 

Preparation of gut, 209. 

Selection of silkworm gut in making, 
207, 208. 

Strength of, 113, 117, 118. 

Tapered leaders, 54, 117, 118. 

Test of, 117, 213. 

Tying gut strands into, 210, 211, 212. 
Line, The 

Agate guides for, 102. 

Care of, 260. 

Control of, 174, 189, 190. 

Cost of, 93. 

"Feel" of, 174. 

Flat lines, no, ill. 

Handling, 97. 

How to attach leader, 97. 

Kinds of lines, no. 

Tapered lines, 54, no, in, 112. 

Wells, Mr. Henry P., on choice of, 
in. 
London "Field" 

Rarity of expert wet-fly fishermen, 66. 
London "Fishing Gazette" 

Rarity of expert wet-fly fishermen, 66. 
Lunge, The 

(See Lake Trout.) 

M 
Maine 

Androscoggin River, 218, 219. 

Bait-fishing in, 220. 

Blue-back trout, 220. 

Camping in, 225. 

Cost of boats, food, guides, 225. 

Cupsuptic Lake and Stream, 218. 

Favorite wet-flies, 228. 

Fish and Game Commission, 221. 

Growth of trout in, 15. 



Guides, 224, 225. 

Kennebago Falls, 218, 220, 224. 

Kennebago Lake, 218, 220. 

Kennebago Stream, 21 8,, 220, 224. 

Little Kennebago Lake, 58, 162, 2ii 

Lower Richardson Lake, 218, 220. 

Minnow in Rangeley Lakes, 220. 

Molechunkemunk Lake, 220. 

Mooselucmaguntic Lake, 218, 220. 

Open season in, 224. 

Oquassoc Lake, 220. 

Parmachenee Lake, 218, 219. 

Rangeley Region, 218-220. 

Seven Ponds, 218, 220. 

Size of trout, 15, 221, 222, 224. 

Spawning, 16. 

Trolling, 220. 

Umbagog Lake, 218, 220. 

Upper Richardson Lake, 218, 220. 
Mackinaw Trout, The 

(See, Lake Trout.) 
Malma Trout, The 

Classification, 8, 10. 

Habitat, 21. 

Markings, 21. 
Marbury, Mary Orvis 

"Favorite Flies," 226. 
Marston Trout, The 

(See Lac de Marbre Trout.) 
Massachusetts 

Favorite wet-flies, 230. 
Michigan 

Favorite wet-flies, 234. 
Minnesota 

Favorite wet-flies, 235. 
Montana 

Favorite wet-flies, 236. 

N 

Naresi Trout, The 
Classification, 6, 10. 
Habitat, 19. 



284 



INDEX 



Native Game Fish, 3. 
Nevada 

Favorite wet-flies, 242. 
Nissuee Trout, The 

(See No-Shee Trout.) 
No-Shee Trout, The 

Classification, 7, 11. 

Habitat, 26. 

Size and voracity, 26. 

O 

Oquassa Trout, The 
(See Rangeley Trout.) 

Oregon 

Favorite wet-flies in, 240. 

Orvis, Charles F. 
"Favorite Flies," 226. 



Paraffin Oil 

Used in drying dry-flies, 54. 
Pennsylvania 

Favorite wet-flies in, 232. 
Pigmy Trout, The 

(See Lower, California Trout.) 

R 

Rainbow Trout, The 

Classification, 6, 9, II, 12. 

Coloring, 134. 

Evermann, Professor, on, 25. 

Jordan, David Starr, on, 25. 

Large scales and head, 24. 

Propagation in western waters, 5. 

Transplantation, 4, 25. 
Rainbow Trout of Lower Califor- 
nia, The 

Classification, 7, 11. 
Rainbow Trout of McLoud River, 
The 

Classification, 7, II. 

Habitat, 26. 



Rainbow Trout of West Oregon, 

The 
Classification, 6, 11. 
Habitat, 25. 
Rangeley Trout, The 
Changed habits of, 18. 
Classification, 5, 8, 9, 12. 
Gradual disappearance, 17. 
Seymour, Mr., on, 17, 18. 
Weight of, 15, 17. 
Red Throat Trout, The 
Characteristics, 27, 28. 
Classification, 7, 9, 11, 12. 
Evermann, Professor, on, 28, 29. 
Game qualities, 28, 29. 
Habitat, 27. 

Jordan, David Starr, 27, 28. 
Sea-run, 28. 
Size, 28. 
Teeth, 5. 
Variation, 28. 
Reel, The 

Balance, 104, 171, 172. 

Care of, 259, 260. 

Cost, 93. 

Function of, 103, 104. 

Halford, Mr. F. M., on striking 

from, 189. 
Kinds of, 164. 
Mistake in choosing too light a reel, 

104. 
Single-action click, 104. 
Striking from reel, 188, 189, 190. 
Striking from reel in fishing for 

Brown Trout, 189. 
Tabulation showing proper weight, 

108. 
Weight, 104. 
Rhode Island 

Favorite wet-flies in, 230. 
Rio Grande Trout, The 
Characteristics, 30. 



285 



INDEX 



Classification, 7, 11. 

Habitat, 30. 
Rio Santa Ana Rainbow Trout, 
The 

Classification, 7, 11. 

Habitat, 26. 
Rocky Mountain Trout 

Classification, 7, 9. 
Rod, The 

Agate tip and butt ring guides, 102. 

Arcs described by tip and butt, 172, 

173, 174- 
Bathabara wood, 103. 
Breakage at joints, 101. 
Bronze snake guides, 102. 
Care of, 259. 

Carrying a "set-up" rod, 262, 263. 
Cost, 93. 

Curvature of rod in casting, 175. 
Data concerning balance, 109, 110, 

171. 
Disjointing, 258. 
Fitting reel to rod, 105. 
Functions, 75-87. 
"Giving the Butt," 116. 
Greenheart, 103. 
Henshall, Dr. James A., on, 76. 
How to hold or grip, 95. 
Lancewood, 103. 
Length, 118, 268. 
Materials, 103. 
Placing reel on rod, 96. 
Resilience, 54, 103. 
Round rods, 99. 
Setting-up rods, 259. 
Split bamboo rods, 99, 103, 107. 
Stiffness, 54. 

Strength of rods, 267, 268. 
Table of relative weight and strength 

of hexagonal split bamboo rods, 

103. 
Table of weights of reels to use with 

rods, 108. 



Warping of round rods, 100. 
Weakest points of rods, 101. 
Weight, 107, 268. 
Rules of the Road, 258, 259. 



Saibling, The American, 8. 
Salmon 

Landlocked, 220. 
Salmonid/e 

Characteristics, 13, 14. 

Classification, 6, 7, 8. 

Food, 220. 

Position of fins, 13. 
Salmon Trout, The 

Classification, 9. 
Salmon Trout of Lake Suther- 
land, The 

Classification, 7, 12. 

Habitat, 33. 
Silver Trout, The 

Classification, 12. 
Silver Trout of Lake Tahoe 

Classification, 8. 

Habitat, 35. 

Size, 35. 

SlSCOWET 

(See Lake Trout.) 
Spawning 

Coloration of trout in, 145. 

Time of, 16. 

Working downstream after, 145. 
Speckled Beauty, The 

(See Brook Trout.) 
Speckled Trout of Lake Crescent, 
The 

Classification, 6, 10. 
Spotted Trout of Lake Suther- 
land, The 

Classification, 7, 12. 

Habitat, 33. 



286 



INDEX 



Square Tail 

(See Brook Trout.) 
Steelhead Trout, The 

Breaking water, 15. 

Classification, 6, g, { 10, 12. 

Coloration changes, 137. 

Gameness, 15, 22. 

Habitat, 22. 

Marine habits, 22. 

Markings, 22. 

Propagation in eastern waters, 5. 

Small scales, 22. 

Transplantation, 4. 
Stone's Trout 

(See No-Shee Trout.) 
Streams 

Casting across stream, 61, 69. 

Casting downstream, 61. 

Casting upstream, 54, 69. 

Conservation, 2. 

Depletion, 2. 

Fishing the stream, 71. 
Striking the Trout 

Clearness of water a factor to be con- 
sidered, 186. 

"Don'ts" in, 187. 

Force used, 186, 187, 189. 

Halford, Mr. F. M., on striking from 
reel, 189. 

Striking from hand-held line, 188. 

Striking from reel, 188. 
Sunapee Trout, The 

Classification, 6, 8, 10, 12. 

Habitat, 19.; 

Large size, 20. 

Transplantation, 19. 



Tahoe Trout, The 
Classification, 9, 12. 
Finest of the Cutthroat series, 34. 
Habitat,. 34, 35- 



Thomas, Bangor, Me. 

Data concerning balance of Fly-rods, 
no. 
Togue, The 

(See Lake Trout.) 



U 



Utah Lake Trout, The 



Classification, 
Habitat, 30. 
Pale coloring, 



7, 12. 



31. 



229. 



Vermont 

Favorite wet-flies in, 
Vertebra 

Number in trout, 13. 
Virginia and West Virginia 

Favorite wet-flies in, 233. 
Von Behr Trout, The 

(See Brown Trout.) 



W 



Waha Lake Trout, The 

Characteristics, 33. 

Classification, 7, 12. 

Habitat, 32. 
Washington 

Favorite wet-flies in, 238. 
Wells, Mr. Henry P. 

"Fly Rods and Fly-tackle," 66, 67, 
72. 

On choice of lines, in. 

On choice of silkworm gut, 114. 
Wet-fly Method of Fly-fishing 

Camp, Samuel G., on fishing the fly, 
57- 
287 



INDEX 

Comparison of dry and wet-fly, meth- Skill needed in, 59, 176. 

ods, 60, 61, 62, 67, 68, 71. Taut line, 57. 

Criticisms of opponents, 41, 42. Wisconsin 
Dewar, G. A. B., on the two methods, Favorite wet-flies in, 235. 

7I 72 _ Wyoming 

t-, . . . /-. Favorite wet-flies in, 241. 

few restrictions in, 65. 

Fishing the flies, 49, 56, 57, 58, 62, 

63. 

Gill, Emlyn M., on skill required in, Yellow-Fin Trout, The 

59- Characteristics, 33. 

La Branche, Mr., on accuracy of Classification, 7, 12. 

casting, 50. Habitat, 32. 

Playing fly at side of current, 181. Yellowstone Trout, The 
Playing the fly, 180. Classification, 7, 12. 

Requirements, 48, 56, 176. Habitat, 33. 



288 



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